Hamblen County Mayor Chris Cutshaw and City Mayor Gary Chesney presented a joint proclamation to officially recognize the week of May 10th-16th as National Police Week.

Together, they urge citizens to recognize and thank local law enforcement officers throughout this week.

Cutshaw says of the week that, “During National Police Week, culminating with the Peace Officers Memorial Service, we pause as a community to honor and remember those who have given their lives in the line of duty. Our highly trained professionals, our Hamblen County Sheriff’s Deputies and Morristown Police Officers, work tirelessly each day to keep our community safe. Their commitment, courage, and willingness to serve deserve not only our respect, but our deepest appreciation. Today, we reflect with gratitude on their service and stand in support of those who continue to protect us all.”

Community volunteers and law enforcement personnel are gathering together to provide a variety of ways to celebrate and observe National Police Week. The public is invited to participate and show their respect to local law enforcement.

Blue bows will be available free to the public to display during the week in honor and recognition of law enforcement. The bows can be picked up at City Center, the Hamblen County Courthouse, Hamblen County Justice Center, the Morristown-Hamblen Library, and Morristown Landing. Citizens can display these ribbons at their homes or businesses.

On Saturday, May 9th the Fraternal Order of Police are hosting a “Cruisin’ with the Cops” car, truck and motorcycle show at Fred Miller Park from 8am to 2pm. Enjoy seeing a variety of vehicles, food and non-food vendors, and a silent auction, all while supporting your local law enforcement.

On Friday, May 15th at Noon, a Peace Officers Memorial Day Ceremony will take place on the South Lawn at the Hamblen County Courthouse. The ceremony will be highlighted with performances from Kelly Shipe on bagpipes, songs from the choir of Holt’s Baptist Church, and the playing of “Taps” by MPD/HCSO Honor Guard. Attendees will hear from speakers about the significance of Law Enforcement Memorial Day, pay tribute to fallen officers, and witness a gun salute. All are invited to attend this ceremony. In the event of rain, the event will be moved indoors to the City Center building.

National Police Week was first declared by President John F. Kennedy in 1962 when he designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week as the week in which this date falls.

Chesney acknowledges that, “Declaring one week of the year for Police Week makes us recognize the value of professional law enforcement every week of the year. Standing the line between law abiders and law breakers is a skill very few can master. Morristown Police have a long track record of effectiveness with this important task. I say thank you again this week, and every other week.”