RESOLUTION
BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT COLLINS-BELLAMY, MAJORITY LEADER RUBBO, MAJORITY WHIP ROBINSON, MINORITY LEADER BREEN, COUNCILMEMBERS, PINEDA-ISAAC, DIAZ AND MERANTE:
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RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF YONKERS OBSERVING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK AND DECLARING THE WEEK OF MAY 12th "YONKERS POLICE WEEK" IN THE CITY OF YONKERS
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WHEREAS, on October 1, 1961, Congress asked President John
F. Kennedy to designate May 13th to honor peace officers. In 1962, President Kennedy declared Peace Officers Memorial Day to be observed on May 13th and recognized May 13th as National Police Week. In 1994, Bill Clinton made an amendment through Public Law 103-322 that directed the United States flag to be flown at half-staff on May 13th in honor of the day; and
WHEREAS, each year during the week of May 12th, National Police Week recognizes law enforcement officers' contributions throughout the nation; and
WHEREAS, each day, police officers put on their uniforms, not knowing what the days holds, and answer a call to public service that is demanding and often unappreciated; and
WHEREAS, police week is directed at honoring the fallen and supporting survivors and their families, with the week-long national observance includes tributes, vigils, seminars, and other important services; and
WHEREAS, the City Council greatly appreciates each law enforcement officer in and their tireless work and unwavering services provided every day throughout the City of Yonkers; and
WHEREAS, since the first recorded death in 1791, more than 20,000 law enforcement officers in the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice and have been killed in the line of duty, including 16 members of the Yonkers Police Department; and
WHEREAS, this year, the Yonkers Police Department will be taking part in the national observance of Police Week from May 12th through May 17st with special programs, services, open houses and a ceremony to officially recognize the extraordinary work of the men and women of the Yonkers finest; and
WHEREAS, individuals can participate in National Police Week by honoring fallen peace officers throughout communities and supporting survivors and their families; and
WHEREAS, other ways you can show your support include: recognizing and supporting the services provided by the Yonkers Police Department and other local police departments; turning on a blue light in support of law enforcement; wearing something blue all week long in support of law enforcement; sharing positive stories about a law enforcement officer you may know; and much more; and
NOW IT BE RESOLVED, that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to recognize the week of May 12th as National Police Week and to declare the week of May 12th as Yonkers Police Week in the City of Yonkers.