Editor’s note: This release was provided by the Village of Pelham.

Dear neighbors,

All this week, our country will be celebrating National Police Week, which culminates with Peace Officers’ Memorial Day on Saturday, May 15, honoring those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Police Week was established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy and each year it gives us an opportunity to express our appreciation for the those officers who’ve committed their lives to serving the public.

Every day, members of our local police department come to work ready to respond to any emergency that may arise: a fatal car accident on the Hutch, a medical emergency for one of our neighbors or a domestic dispute on the verge of serious violence. There are sleepier days too, of course. On those days, they visit our kids at the schools, meet with local residents to discuss traffic issues or they host events like “Coffee with a Cop” to build stronger relationships within the community. This year, they’ve added Covid-19 to their portfolio, handing out masks in our downtown and advising the Village on safety protocols for outdoor dining.

Members of a local police department play a uniquely complicated role in a community. They must serve and protect us in our most vulnerable moments, while carrying the additional burden of holding us accountable when we’ve violated the law. This kind of authority requires a heightened level of integrity and accountability. The relative professionalism of different departments has been on full display this year. Through our work on police reform, our local officers have sought to demonstrate their continuing commitment to justice and fairness. After the shootings in Georgia, they proactively connected with our AAPI business owners to offer solidarity and encouragement. They’ve worked with organizers of local rallies to plan for traffic mitigation so that participants would be safe. I’ve been proud to see them embrace the belief that public servants must always try to earn the respect they are given.

Alongside their professional responsibilities, they have endured the same challenges many of us have faced this year: the quiet loss of loved ones, the parental frustrations of trying to manage childcare and virtual learning and the anxiety of being an essential worker during a global pandemic, working directly with the public every day.

National Police Week is an opportunity to acknowledge the work they do on our behalf. When you see them, please take a moment to let them know that we’ve seen their efforts and we’re grateful for them.

Have a wonderful week, Pelham.

Best,

Chance

Mayor, Village of Pelham