Mayor Teri Johnston and the City Commission have proclaimed May 9th through the 15th as National Police Week.
“As a city we rely on law enforcement officers to keep our neighborhoods safe, enforce our laws, and respond in times of crisis,” reads the proclamation. “These men and women sustain peace and order in our community. They routinely put their lives on the line to defend ours, and the price of the bravery may result in injury, disability, or death.”
The annual nationwide designation is meant to both honor those who are serving as well as those who paid the ultimate price for community safety. The week usually ends in a memorial ceremony in which those who have died in the line of duty are honored. This year, due to the pandemic, the memorial has been scheduled for October.
“It is important that all citizens know and understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards and sacrifices made by the Key West Police Department,” continues the proclamation, “and that the members of the Key West Police Department recognize their duty to serve the people of this city by safeguarding life and property, and by protecting them against violence and disorder.”In the photo: Commissioners Gregory Davila and Jimmy Weekley, Sgt. Jason Castillo, Officer Santiago Perez, Sgt. Joe Stockton, Sgt. Jeffrey Dean, Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover (on the dais), Capt. JR Torres, Mayor Teri Johnston, Chief Sean Brandenburg, Capt. Randal Smith, Commissioner Sam Kaufman, Officer Tiffany Beeman, Lt. Matt Haley, and Commissioners Clayton Lopez and Billy Wardlow.
