The month of May brings about two very important weeks to those of us in the law enforcement
field, National Corrections Officers Week and National Police Week. National Corrections Officers Week occurred May 6 through May 12 and National Police Week took place between May 11 through May 17. The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office celebrated these two weeks with several events:
- On Tuesday, May 1, 2018, The Arlington County Board Chair, Katie Cristol, signed a
Proclamation acknowledging National Corrections Officers Week and recognizing the
dedication of the members of the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office. - On Saturday, May 5, 2018, The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard took part
in the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in
recognition of National Corrections Officers Week and those who have made the
ultimate sacrifice. The Honor Guard also took part in the Honor Guard Competition that
followed the ceremony. - On Tuesday, May 8, 2018 and Wednesday, May 9, 2018, Sheriff Arthur provided a
special Hawaiian themed BBQ meal for the staff of the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office
in recognition of National Corrections Officers Week, complete with grass skirts, leis and
pineapple centerpieces. - On Friday, May 11, 2018, The Sheriff’s Office and Police Department held the annual
Peace Officer’s Memorial Service in the courtyard between the Arlington County
Detention Center and the Arlington County Courthouse. National Law Enforcement
Officers Memorial Chief Executive Officer, Craig W. Floyd, was the Keynote Speaker. - On Friday, May 11, 2018, Corporal Andrew Woodrow and K9 Hooper also took part in
the 1 st Annual Police K-9 Memorial Service at the National Law Enforcement Officers
Memorial.
The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office had the honor and privilege to serve the families,
significant others, friends and co-workers, that came to the Washington D.C. area from May 11 th through May 17 th to honor and celebrate the lives of our nations fallen officers during National Police Week. The members of the Sheriff’s Office, along with other local agencies, partnered to provided support to the more than 3800 individuals that attended the week’s events. Since 2000, the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office has taken part in the events of National Police Week, by providing support at the area hotels and by providing their Honor Guard for various events, such as the Candlelight Vigil and the Memorial Service that takes place on May 15 th at the United States Capitol Building. The members of our agency take great pride in being able to assist the family members, significant others, friends and co-workers of the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We strive to ensure that their stay is as enjoyable as possible, under the circumstance, and that their needs are met. Sworn and non-sworn members of the Sheriff’s Office are assigned to the hotels in Arlington that C.O.P.S. has reserved for the survivor families and escort officers. The staff members answered questions about the surrounding area and daily events, provide transportation, and most importantly they listen to the stories of each family’s officer and provide support and compassion. These interactions create a bond that lasts a lifetime. Each year the family members return and look for the officers they spent time talking with the year before.
Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) organizes the events of National Police Week and does an
amazing job for the families of the fallen officers. This year, the Inaugural Blue Gala, was held at the
Doubletree Hotel and Country star Mark Wills, a reserve Deputy himself, provided the entertainment. A joint Honor Guard from the Sheriff’s Department and the Police Department presented the colors as Mark Wills sang the National Anthem. This year’s events were a create success and we look forward to participating once again next year in all the events to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We are grateful to Sheriff Beth Arthur for all the support that she provides the men and woman of the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office and the opportunities we have to partner with our fellow law enforcement agencies and the members of our community.
