Gubernatorial Proclamation - Police Week and Peace Officers' Memorial Day

Gov. John P. de Jongh, Jr. has proclaimed the week of May 9-15 2010 as “Police Week” in the Territory to honor the brave men and women who serve on the front line of the battle against crime, and May 15, 2010 as “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. 

The Virgin Islands Police Department, its officers, commanders and civilian staff, play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms we enjoy in the U.S. Virgin Islands. As citizens of the Territory, we gratefully acknowledge the many responsibilities and personal sacrifices made by police officers in the line of duty. We commend their enduring commitment to public safety and honor their brave and selfless actions in service to the people of the Virgin Islands. Their daily, dedicated actions protect life and property from violence and disorder, and help safeguard the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression.

Round-the-clock, VIPD officers render an essential service to the community, and they have earned an enduring reputation for preserving the rights and security of all citizens. 

The Governor encourages residents of the Territory to honor the law enforcement officers who have fallen or who have become disabled in the line of duty by recognizing and paying respect to the families of those heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.

During this important week’s tribute, Governor de Jongh calls on all people of the Virgin Islands, as well as the Territory's patriotic, civic and educational organizations, to observe Police Week by participating in ceremonies and events that commemorate law enforcement officers, past and present. 

This years’ Police Week features a Police Graduation, an Awards Ceremony and the Peace Officers’ Day Memorial Service and parade. Additional activities are noted in the below schedule, for all three islands.

The public is invited to these activities in the St. Thomas/St. John District:

Tuesday, May 11
10 a.m. -1 p.m.: Open house at Leander Jurgen Command, St. John
K-9 Officer and motorcycle display

Thursday, May 13
10 a.m.: Fun Day at Emile Griffith Park

Friday, May 14
7 p.m.: Karaoke Night, at Jumbies in Crown Bay

Saturday, May 15
4 p.m.: National Peace Officers Day Parade (From the Addelita Cancryn Junior High
School to Richard N. Callwood Command)

Sunday, May 30
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Police Week Wrap up, Beach Picnic, Magens Bay

The public is invited to these activities in the St. Croix District:

Tuesday, May 11
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Open House at Ann Schrader Command, 6 p.m. until; Happy Hour 
After Dark; Violet Damideaux Pavilion, Estate Golden Grove

Wednesday, May 12
3 p.m. – 6 p.m.: VIPD Awards Ceremony, Government House, Christiansted

Thursday, May 13
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Open House at the Ancilmo Marshall Command Zone “C” 
7 p.m.: Basketball Tournament at the St. Croix Central High Gym 

Friday, May 14
10:00 am: Open House at the Marine Unit in Gallows Bay
3 p.m.: Police & Auxiliary Graduation at Government House in Christiansted

Saturday, May 15
10 a.m.: Peace Officer’s Day Memorial Service at the Violet Damideaux Pavilion, Estate Golden Grove; Silent Motorcade and Gravesite Visitation 
7 p.m.: Sunset Vigil at the Ann Abramson Pier, Frederiksted

Sunday, May 16
10 a.m.: Police Week Wrap up--Beach Day BBQ at the Altoona Lagoon, Christiansted

###