REPORT TO SHASTA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

BOARD MEETING DATE:  May  1, 2018
CATEGORY:  BOARD MATTERS-2.

SUBJECT:

Proclamation for Peace Officers’ Memorial Day

Supervisorial District No. :  All

DEPARTMENT CONTACT:  Tom Bosenko, Sheriff (530) 245-6167

STAFF REPORT APPROVED BY:  Mike Lindsey, Chief Fiscal Officer

RECOMMENDATION

Take the following actions:  (1) Adopt a proclamation which designates May 10, 2018 as “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” in Shasta County; and (2) direct the Shasta County Courthouse flag be flown at half-staff on May 10, 2018.

SUMMARY

N/A

DISCUSSION

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as National Peace Officers' Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week. 

The State of California recognizes Peace Officers' Memorial Day during the first part of May.  In Sacramento, a Candlelight Vigil will be held on Sunday, May 6, 2018 and an Enrollment Ceremony on Monday, May 7, 2018. 

In Shasta County, Peace Officers' Memorial Day will be recognized on Thursday, May 10, 2018 with a Peace Officers' Memorial/Baton Run beginning at 10:00 a.m.  It will conclude when the baton arrives at the memorial ceremony in front of the Shasta County Courthouse at 12:00 noon. 

Peace Officers' Memorial Day is set aside to honor peace officers that have lost their lives in the line of duty and to provide support to the family members left behind.  Law enforcement officers will participate by wearing black ribbons over their badges. 

Nationwide in 2017, 128 law enforcement officers lost their lives in the line of duty. In California, six officers gave their lives.  Gratefully, no Shasta County law enforcement officers died in the line of duty during 2017. 

ALTERNATIVES

The Board could choose not to make the proclamation and/or not to participate in Peace Officers’ Memorial Day.

OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT

Other local and state law enforcement agencies are expected to observe this special day of recognition for officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and will participate with Shasta County Sheriff’s Office personnel in the local ceremonies on May 10, 2018.  The County Administrative Office has reviewed the recommendation.

FINANCING

Any costs associated with the observation will be minimal and absorbed within existing budget appropriations.  It is also expected that donations will be received from local organizations and businesses to offset some of the costs.