Milton will mark Police Week both by celebrating our officers and engaging the community that they’re honored to serve.

Then-President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation in 1962 designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that falls as National Police Week. This year – as designated by a recent City Council proclamation as well as nationally – Police Week falls between May 14 and 20.

Thousands of law enforcement personnel traditionally gather during this time in Washington, D.C., for a number of planned events, some to honor deceased officers and support their families. Hundreds of agencies also make a point to hold smaller events and activities at the local level during Police Week.

While Police Week was created to celebrate officers and remember those who died in the line of duty, the Milton Police Department also sees it as a special, annual opportunity to showcase its ideals, spread the word about its programs, and bolster its relationships with citizens.

To that end, Milton Police will participate in the following events – each of which is open to the public:

• MONDAY, MAY 15, from 10-11 a.m.: A “Fallen Officer Ceremony” to be held at Roswell Area Park (10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell, GA, 30075)

Officers from neighboring jurisdictions will be joined by citizens as well as local officials to honor the sacrifices of male and female law enforcement personnel who died this past year related to their work.

• MONDAY, MAY 15, from 2-4 p.m.: Secure Shredding Event at the Milton Police Station (13690 Highway 9, Milton, GA  30004 in the second building furthest from Highway 9)

All are invited to bring documents (up to 5 boxes or bags per household) that can be securely destroyed by the City’s partners at EcoShredding. This event will last until 4 p.m. or once the truck fills up, whichever comes first.

• TUESDAY, MAY 16, from 2-7 p.m.: #BacktheBlue Blood Drive in the Fellowship Hall at Stonecreek Church (13540 Highway 9, Milton, GA   30004)

Those interested in donating blood – and, by doing so, potentially saving a life – should schedule an appointment by calling 800-RED-CROSS or visiting www.redcrossblood.org and entering this sponsor code: MPD.

• THURSDAY, MAY 18, from 9-11 a.m.: “Coffee with a Cop” at Bloom Roadside (15260 Hopewell Road, Milton, GA   30004 across from Bell Memorial Park)

This is a casual opportunity for people to mingle with members of the Milton Police, from patrol officers through Chief Rich Austin and beyond. There’s no ceremony and itinerary, just the chance for officers and citizens to get to know each other in a fun (and tasty) setting.

• FRIDAY, MAY 19, from 3-4 p.m.: Annual Awards Ceremony at Milton Municipal Court in the police building at 13690 Highway 9, Milton, GA   30004)

Every year, Milton Police cap off Police Week with an awards ceremony in which they honor members of their department with recognitions that include the marksmanship award, career development and education awards, Rookie of the Year, Civilian of the Year, and Officer of the Year.

Anyone with questions about any of the aforementioned events, or about Milton Police’s community programs generally, can contact Community Outreach Officer Logan Pacheco at logan.bolen@miltonga.gov.