Rockford police observe National Police Week May 13-19

Staff Report

National Police Week is May 13-19, 2012, and it is designated to honor the memory of all law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. Locally. the Rockford Police Department is celebrating May 15-20. The following events are scheduled:

Blue Ribbon Campaign: During National Police Week C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors), Inc. encourages the display of blue ribbons on car antennas. Law enforcement personnel are encouraged to tie blue ribbons to squad car antennas. Citizens are encouraged to tie blue ribbons to their car antennas. These blue ribbons are a visible reminder of law enforcement personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice and in honor of those men and women who serve their communities 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year in and year out.

The Northern Illinois Police Memorial Service: to honor all Winnebago County law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty will take place at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 17, at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 2400 Bell Ave., Rockford.

The Law Enforcement Display: at CherryVale Mall begins Friday, May 18 through Sunday, May 20, during regular mall hours. Representatives from many Northern Illinois law enforcement agencies put on a display of law enforcement vehicles and other materials.

Rockford Police Open House: from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, May 15 and 16, at the Public Safety Building, 420 W. State St.

Tours will provide an opportunity for our community to see the inner workings of our police department. Information on Community Policing Programs will be available and show how you can partner in reducing crime and making Rockford a safe community. Tours will include viewing several different operating vehicles, Command Video Surveillance Room, Firing Range, Roll Call Room and Shift Commander’s Office. Demonstrations by the K-9 and Bomb units will also be conducted.

Rockford Police Fallen Officers Memorial Tributes: Tuesday, May 15, at 4 p.m., Chief Epperson and Police and Fire Head Chaplain Father Ken Stachyra will dedicate memorials to Rockford’s six fallen officers. This ceremony will take place in the Public Safety building’s Classroom A&B.

Rockford Police Citizen’s Police Academy Graduation: The 7th Citizen’s Police Academy class will graduate at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 16, in Classroom A&B. Please join Chief Epperson and guests to congratulate these citizens.

Please try to participate in one or all of these special events to honor our police officers. For more information, contact Lt. Patrick Hoey at (815) 987-5744 or e-mail Patrick.hoey@rockfordil.gov.

Rockford Police Department deaths in the line of duty: Lorenzo J. Gillogly, 10/12/1917; Frank Cichella, 2/24/1927; Arthur H. Bassett, 9/22/1927; Charles J. Williams, 6/1/1972; Randall A. Blank, 12/31/1980; Kevin D. Rice, 8/3/2001. May this list never grow!

From the May 9-15, 2012, issue