Title
To recognize and designate May 15, 2026 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in Columbus, Ohio.
Body
WHEREAS, in honor of our fallen men and women in uniform, Columbus joins the nation in recognizing May 15, 2026 as Peace Officers Memorial Day; and
WHEREAS, in 1962, U.S. President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week; and
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, every day over 1,800 officers of the Columbus Division of Police face the challenge of keeping every Columbus neighborhood safe and protected with bravery and honor; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Columbus Division of Police are guided by the core values of Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Enthusiasm in their daily commitment to earning and maintaining the trust of the communities they serve; and
WHEREAS, in 2026, 363 names of officers killed in the line of duty were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. There are currently 24,775 names engraved on the Memorial; and
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council recognizes and honors the Columbus Division of Police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and extends its deepest gratitude to their families; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby recognize and designate May 15, 2026 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 11-16 as National Police Week. This council expresses gratitude to all members of the Columbus Division of Police for their outstanding contributions to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Columbus, Ohio.