The Douglas Police Department is honoring officers during the week of May 15-21, 2017, and encourages citizens to say “Thank You” to the men and women who protect and serve the community as well as remember the fallen police officers throughout the country.
As of today, Douglas has had only one police officer killed in the line of duty. Officer James Ira Ricketson was killed on September 9, 1920. “Monday was National Police Memorial Day, a day of remembrance to officers who have been killed in the line of duty,” says Police Chief Gary Casteloes. “We are here to keep the peace and protect our citizens, which sometimes means the ultimate sacrifice. We care, which is why you will often see our officers taking the time to help those in need or interact with young people.”
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. According to the Fraternal Order of Police, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, DC to participate in a number of planned events which honor those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The Memorial Service began in 1982 as a gathering in Senate Park of approximately 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement. Decades later, the event has become more commonly known as National Police Week.
