Behind the badges and uniforms are individuals who bravely serve and protect their communities every single day. One week each year is dedicated to showing them how much their sacrifice truly means.

National Police Week was established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. He designated May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which May 15 falls (this year, from May 12 to May 18) as National Police Week. Every year, events are held in Washington, D.C. to commemorate this occasion, including a widely attended Candlelight Vigil to honor fallen officers.

Here are five simple ways the public can honor and celebrate local law enforcement deputies/officers this week:

1. **Write a Thank You Note**
To express appreciation to local law enforcement, write a “thank you” note to the local sheriff’s office or police station. Share what their protection means and thank them for their service to the community. This activity is also great for kids—encourage them to draw pictures or sign the note themselves. Such gestures carry significant weight, whether you mail the note or deliver it in person.

2. **Visit the Police Memorial Ceremony**
A meaningful way to support law enforcement in our community is to honor and remember those who have fallen. On Wednesday, May 14, at 10am, the Bossier City Police Department will host a ceremony at the Bossier City Complex, where local law enforcement agencies will pay tribute to the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in our local communities.

3. **Drop Off a Snack**
There’s a common stereotype that law enforcement officers love donuts, but who doesn’t enjoy a treat now and then? One simple way to show appreciation is by dropping off food or snacks at the local sheriff’s office or police station. That gesture might just brighten their day.

4. **Share Personal Experiences**
National Police Week is the perfect time to share positive experiences with law enforcement in the community. This idea is cost-free and can have a significant impact on friends, family members, and those who serve in law enforcement. Craft a post on Facebook or Instagram sharing a story about a positive interaction with law enforcement this past year and what it meant. Use these hashtags: #NationalPoliceWeek, #PoliceWeek, and #NationalPoliceWeek2025.

5. **Make a Donation**
The public can positively impact the community by supporting and equipping those who strive to improve it. Consider making a donation to a law enforcement-affiliated cause or foundation, such as the Anglin/Meyers Initiative.