This week, law enforcement officers in HISD and across the country will be celebrated for their service and sacrifice as part of Law Enforcement Appreciation Week.

The annual observance was created in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which the date falls as Law Enforcement Appreciation Week.

“Every year we use this time to reflect on the value of peace officers to our society and the immense sacrifices they make on a daily basis to protect the community,” HISD Police Chief Paul Cordova said. “During this week we want to honor both the living and the dead who have dedicated their lives to serve others.”

To celebrate the week, the HISD Police Department will host a police appreciation and awards breakfast at the new High School for Law and Justice on Friday to honor officers, veterans, retirees, and K9s.

You can show your appreciation by sending a thank you note to an HISD police officer or one of their counterparts from surrounding police agencies. You can also show your support by taking a photo of yourself wearing blue and posting the picture on social media with the hashtags #LawEnforcementAppreciationWeek and #HISDPolice. Be sure to tag @HISDPolice, and we’ll retweet you.