In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

The Belleville Police Department and Belleville Police Association celebrated the week with several events. The Belleville Elementary and Belleville Intermediate School had a penny war. The money raised will be donated to the Belleville Mounted Patrol. It will be used for the care and training for the Police Horses. The winning grade's prize was to paint the Police Horse and feed it carrots.

The kids also participated in a coloring contest. We received 307 entries from grades K-5th. All the pictures were great. They are currently displayed at the Belleville Police Department, Belleville Village Hall, and Mike O'Connor State Farm Insurance. The winners are: K, Frankie; 2nd, Bryn; 3rd, Camryn; 4th, Lilli; and 5th, Ben. The winners received goodie bags. The pictures will stay up until May 22nd so everyone can get a catch to see the kids' hard work.

We wrapped up Police Week with eating lunch with all kids and having fun with them. We would like to thank everyone for their support and kind words. We would especially like to thank Belleville Elementary and Intermediate Schools. Thank you for making our special week great!