Photo: Police Week Proclamation
Pictured from left are Vandalia Assistant Police Chief Jake Bowling, Officer Dylan Brooks, Mayor Rick Gottman, Vandalia Police Chief Jeff Ray and Officer Isaac Smith.
To recognize National Police Week and to honor the service and sacrifice of those law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy.
WHEREAS, there are more than 800,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, including the dedicated members of the City of Vandalia Police Department;
WHEREAS, since the first recorded death in 1786, there are currently 23,785 law enforcement officers in the United States have made the ultimate sacrifice and been killed in the line of duty;
WHEREAS, the names of these dedicated public servants are engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.;
WHEREAS, 556 new names of fallen heroes are being added t o the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s 35th Candlelight Vigil, on the evening of May 13, 2023;
WHEREAS, May 15 is designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day, in honor of all fallen officers and their families and US flags should be flown at half-staff;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Vandalia will observe May 14-21, 2023, as National Police Week in Vandalia, Illinois, and public salutes the service of law enforcement officers in our community and in communities across the nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, i have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the to be affixed.
Done at the City of Vandalia, State of Illinois, this 8th day of May, 2023.
Signed Mayor Ricky J. Gottman
