In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

The DeLand Police Department has the honor of leading the Volusia-Flagler County Police Memorial Service at Daytona Memorial Park, which will be at 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 14. 

During the next week, if you see one of our officers in your neighborhood or around town, we'd encourage our residents to introduce themselves and get to know your officers. Relationships between our officers and our residents are important as we work to keep our streets safe. 

Here is the proclamation from the Honorable Mayor Robert F. Apgar recognizing National Police Week:

Whereas, the week of May 9th – 15th has been designated as “National Police Week” to honor those who protect our Nation and safeguard the rights and freedoms which are guaranteed by the Constitution; and

Whereas, the people of the State of Florida honor the thousands of men and women of local, state, federal and tribal law enforcement agencies who made the supreme sacrifice with their lives to protect the freedom of others and preserve this great nation; and

Whereas, it is fitting and proper that we express our gratitude for the dedicated service and courageous deeds of law enforcement officers and for the contributions they have made to security and well-being of all people; and

Whereas, a non-profit group called the FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association the (FBITCAAA) has created and is hosting the Paint the Town Blue Event to coincide and promote the National Police Week and Fallen Officers Memorial Day; and

Whereas, the Florida Police Chiefs Association is asking every community and every law enforcement agency to participate in this endeavor and DeLand wants to show its support for our men and women in blue by encouraging the community to participate in this event in ways that honor the services of law enforcement in our City.   

Now, therefore, I, Robert F. Apgar, Mayor of the City of DeLand, do hereby proclaim, May 9th – 15th, 2021 as:

Florida Police “Paint The Town Blue” Week

in the City of DeLand and urge all citizens to pause to remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of law enforcement, and also those who so bravely chose this way of life to defend the rights and safety of our residents. 

Done and proclaimed this 5th day of May 2021.