The badge and uniform our law enforcement officials wear come with a weighty responsibility and reality. They come with service and sacrifice, and a deep commitment to the communities these brave men and women have sworn to protect. This week is National Police Week, and our nation honored those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty to ensure the safety of our cities, state, and nation.
For sixty-three years, our country has set aside this special week to memorialize and honor the fallen police officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy officially signed a proclamation designating the 15th of May as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as National Police Week. However, for much longer than that, our nation has been grateful for those who have sworn to protect and serve.
America’s first taste of the law enforcement system began in colonial America, as society became less rural and began a more urban way of life, ushering in the unfortunate reality of crime, riots, and other public acts of endangerment. Boston’s watchmen were the very first American law enforcement group to be organized in 1631, receiving a small amount of pay in exchange for their watchful eye over the safety of their community.
Since that time, our nation has continued to grow and expand its law enforcement system, following in the footsteps of our English counterparts and its system of sheriffs, constables, and other law enforcers who, combined, contribute to create our local and state justice systems. Now, there are hundreds of men and women in the state of Arkansas who proudly wear their badge and uniform to protect their fellow Arkansans.
