Campus police personnel at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center honored their own last week, as they celebrated National Police Week.
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as “National Peace Officers Memorial Day,” and week in which the date falls, as “National Police Week.” Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. It also honors the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement officers.
“Providentially, for us, statistics show the state of Tennessee has yet to suffer the loss of a campus police officer, but regrettably, there have been 49 campus officers across the country who have died in the line of duty,” said UTHSC Campus Police Chief Anthony Berryhill. “It is befitting that we pay tribute to those who have gone before us, and to celebrate those of us who are still here holding the line.”
The UTHSC Campus Police Department held several events in honor of its law enforcement professionals. An appreciation breakfast and luncheon was held on May 14 and May 15. A memorial program in honor of fallen law enforcement officers, was held May 16 in the Student-Alumni Center. Brunch followed the program.
On May 18, the Campus Police Department hosted a luncheon at UTHSC for Medical District-area law enforcement personnel in honor of the work they do daily to keep communities safe.