FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 2 2023
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
City Council
City Manager
Prepared by: Chief of Police
PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF "NATIONAL POLICE WEEK,"
MAY 14 THROUGH MAY 20, 2023, AND PROCLAIM WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 2023, AS "PEACE OFFICERS' MEMORIAL DAY" IN THE CITY OF
SANTA MARIA
RECOMMENDATION:
That the week of May 14 through May 20, 2023, be recognized as "National Police Week" and that Wednesday, May 17, 2023, be declared "Peace Officers' Memorial Day" in the City of Santa Maria.
BACKGROUND:
Every year, the week beginning on Mother's Day is recognized as "National Police Week".
This week is set aside in memory of the men and women in law enforcement agencies across the nation who lost their lives while performing their duties. Since 1995, the Santa Maria Police Officers' Association has coordinated a memorial service and, in cooperation with the Santa Maria Police Department, has invited Northern Santa Barbara County law enforcement agencies, other public entities. and the general public to participate.
DISCUSSION:
In honor of our fallen officers, law enforcement agencies across the State of California will join agencies across the nation in setting aside a time to remember those officers and their contribution to the communities they served. Santa Maria will host a memorial service at the Santa Maria Police Department located at 1111 W. Betteravia Road, which will involve the Northern and Southern Santa Barbara County law enforcement agencies.
The memorial service is open to other public agencies, as well as the general public.
The purpose of the memorial service has always been to educate the public as to the hazards faced by those sworn to protect them and to create an environment where the public can interact with their police department. Although a formal environment exists, this is an alternative environment, different than what is created during an enforcement stop, or when a member of the public has been victimized. This type of ceremony has proven to generate civic pride and has provided a means for our officers to honor fallen kinsmen.
As part of the lead into National Police Week, a Proclamation has been prepared in recognition of May 14 through May 20, 2023, as "National Police Week," and proclaiming Wednesday, May 17, 2023, as "Peace Officers' Memorial Day" in the City of Santa Maria.
Federal law requires the flag be flown at half-staff during this week in honor of law enforcement officers across the country who have died this past year in the performance of their duties.
Fiscal Considerations:
None.
Impact to the Community
Building community awareness associated with the dangers facing law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties. Improved community and police relations.
V
MARC SCHNEIDER
Chief of Police
City of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, California
Proclamation
Santa Maria
AII•America City
11111!
WHEREAS, of all the promises America offers, none is more precious or elusive than the right to be free from crime; and
WHEREAS, the dedicated men and women who have chosen law enforcement as a career face extraordinary risk and danger in preserving our freedom and security; and WHEREAS, during the week of May 14 through May 20, 2023, "National Police Week" is observed to recognize the hazardous work, serious responsibility, and strong commitment of our Nation's Peace Officers; and
WHEREAS, in conjunction with this important observance, the City of Santa Maria is observing May 17, 2023, as "Peace Officers' Memorial Day" in commemoration of those noble officers who have tragically sacrificed their lives in the line of duty; and WHEREAS, eight (8) California Peace Officers are recognized as being killed in the line of duty during 2022; and
WHEREAS, these special observances provide all Santa Marians with the opportunity to appreciate the heroic men and women who have dedicated their lives to preserving public safety.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ALICE M. PATINO, Mayor of the City of Santa Maria hereby recognize the week of May 14 through May 20, 2023, as
"NATIONAL POLICE WEEK"
And proclaim Wednesday, May 17, 2023, as
"PEACE OFFICERS' MEMORIAL DAY"
in the City of Santa Maria, and encourage all residents to remember those individuals who gave their lives for our safety and express our appreciation to those who continue to dedicate themselves to making Santa Maria a safer place in which to live.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Seal of the City of Santa Maria to be affixed hereto this 2nd day of May 2023.
Mayor Alice M. Patino