News Department

Morris County Sheriff’s Office recognizes National Police Week 2022

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ – The Morris County Sheriff’s Office is recognizing National Police Week 2022.

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 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.

This recognition occurs every May and this year, National Police Week is being observed from May 11–17. The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum in Washington D.C. will hold its annual ceremonies during this time period. One such ceremony includes the 34th Annual Candlelight Vigil. This solemn vigil will be held on Friday, May 13th and honors the fallen officers whose names have recently been added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial.

On Tuesday, May 9, Sheriff James M. Gannon, Undersheriff Mark Spitzer, and Undersheriff Rich Rose were with the officers of the Police Unity Tour as they departed from the Parsippany Hilton, for their 300-mile bicycle ride to the Memorial. Morris County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Michael Schweizer was one of those riders. They make the long ride to raise awareness for officers killed in the line of duty.

This ride was started by former Florham Park Police Chief Patrick Montuore over twenty years ago and has grown to over fifteen hundred officers making the trek. The Unity Tour’s motto is, “We Ride for Those that Died”. The contingent will arrive at the memorial tomorrow, May 12thand will be present for the candlelight vigil on Friday.

“Today, we remember the 21,910 law enforcement officers whose names have been engraved on the solemn wall in Washington, DC. This Sunday, we ask that you lower your flags to half-staff in remembrance of their sacrifice,” Gannon said.

“I was honored to participate in the four-day bike journey several years ago myself and remember sharing stories with my brother and sister officers, each of us wore a bracelet commemorating a specific officer who perished. Today, as we remember those who have fallen, I am extremely saddened to learn that the New Jersey Supreme Court has decided to parole Clark Squire, who along with Joanne Chesimard, killed Trooper Werner Foerster. What a travesty to do so, especially this week, after the parole board itself found this man who was sentenced to life in prison, to still be without remorse for the slaughter. God bless the fallen, may they rest in internal peace,” Gannon said.

National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community. Sheriff James M. Gannon and all members of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office would like to ask you to take a moment to reflect and honor the courage, service, and sacrifice of all who are serving as law enforcement professionals. Yet even more poignant, please reflect and honor those who have served and gave their last full measure of devotion; the ultimate sacrifice for us, who need and expect the preservation of law and the maintenance of order as an integral part of our American way of life.

For more information about 2022 National Police Week, click here.

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

Related Articles

Back to top button