National Police Week one for reflection, recognition for officers

National Police Week this week. Meaningful for all officers, says La Crosse police captain Jason Melby

As part of police week, events held locally include a memorial service tomorrow (Tues) at 11 hosted by the La Crosse county sheriff’s department. La Crosse City police hold their annual Awards and Recognition ceremony Wednesday night at the

This week a couple of events will be held locally in connection with National Police Week.

A police memorial ceremony is scheduled at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the La Crosse county administrative center, hosted by the La Crosse sheriff’s office.

Wednesday, La Crosse city police hold their 19th annual Awards and Recognition ceremony. It will begin at 7 p.m. and take place at the Community Policing Station at 713 St. James St.

It’s an event that recognizes police but also regular citizens, who answer the bell, La Crosse Police captain Jason Melby noted.

“When other people are standing by and watching an incident happen while an officer needs help, these individuals actually take it upon themselves to step in and and make sure that our officers are safe and are helping our officers do their job,” he said.

At that time, La Crosse Police’s newest member, Zeus will be sworn into the K-9 Unit.

Melby said the entire week is meaningful in different ways for all officers.

“For a lot of these officers that work the streets, it is that time to just reflect on how important their job is and reflect on the meaning that we have on our communities,” he said.

Melby added that reflection is more important than ever in the current atmosphere.

“I think there was a time where there was a higher degree of respect and some level of decorum when dealing with law enforcement,” Melby said.