Kent proclaims National Police Week and Correctional Officers Week; leaders honor fallen officers and corrections staff

Mayor Dana Ralph read two proclamations at the May 6 meeting designating the week containing May 15 as National Police Week and the same week as National Correctional Officers Week in Kent.

The police proclamation named May 15 as Peace Officers— Memorial Day and noted the Kent Police Department—s role in safeguarding residents. Kent police leadership accepted the proclamation and thanked the council and community for their support. The chief said community expressions of support —letters, emails, goodies— mean a great deal and highlighted the department—s obligation to remember officers who gave their lives in service. The chief specifically referenced Detective Fauf (in 02/2017) and Officer Moreno (in 02/2018) when urging residents to honor fallen officers.

Commander Armstrong and corrections staff joined the meeting for the correctional officers proclamation. The proclamation describes the duties of correctional officers and recognizes jail staff for custody, care and rehabilitation work. Commander Armstrong thanked the council and emphasized the difficult conditions corrections staff operate under. He recounted a social media message from a former inmate who said compassionate treatment at the Kent correctional facility helped that person change their life.

Why it matters: The proclamations formally recognize the work and sacrifices of law enforcement and corrections personnel in the city and give elected leaders an opportunity to acknowledge fallen officers and thank public-safety staff.

Next steps: The proclamations are ceremonial. Police and corrections leaders said the city—s community support is appreciated and encouraged further public recognition of law enforcement and corrections staff.