Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring May 10-16, 2026, as National Police Week in Rockville, Maryland
end
Department
Police
Recommendation
Staff recommend the Mayor and Council read, approve, and present the proclamation to Jason West, Police Chief, City of Rockville, Maryland.
Discussion
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week. During this week, tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington, D.C., to participate in several planned events that honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. This provides a unique opportunity to meet others who share a common brotherhood. This year, National Police Week runs from Sunday, May 10, 2026, through Saturday, May 16, 2026.
National Police Week began as a memorial service in 1982 with a gathering in Senate Park of approximately 120 survivors and law enforcement. Decades later, National Police Week has grown into a series of activities that attract thousands of survivors and law enforcement officers to the nation’s Capital annually. Activities include the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service (sponsored by the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police), Candlelight Vigil (sponsored by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund), and seminars (sponsored by Concerns of Police Survivors). These and other local National Police Week events are described below.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Mark your calendars for the following programs and events!
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026
Annual Blue Mass - St. Patrick Catholic Church in downtown Washington, D.C. The service begins at 12:10 p.m. and is anticipated to last approximately 1 1/2 hours.
SATURDAY, May 9, 2026
National Police Week 5K - Registration begins at 7 am, with opening announcements at 8:45 am. The race begins at 9:00 a.m. For more information, visit the National Police Week 5K page <https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Arlington/NationalPoliceWeek5K>.
MONDAY, May 11, 2026
The National Police K-9 Memorial Service - Will include a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the memory of fallen police K-9s who have given their lives in the line of duty. The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. and will be held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, 450 F St. NW, Washington DC, 20001
SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2026
Honor Guard Reception
We (NLEOMF) will again be hosting a combined Honor Guard/Police Unity Tour reception on May 12, 2026, from 7-9 p.m. EST. For those honor guard teams/members who volunteer for either our Vigil or Stand Watch for the Fallen, and you would like to attend, please RSVP here:
Honor Guard Reception <https://secure.nleomf.org/site/Calendar?id=100381&view=Detail>
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2026
38th Annual Candlelight Vigil
2026 will mark the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil, on Wednesday, May 13th on the National Mall (between 4th and 7th Streets and Madison and Jefferson Drives) in Washington, DC. ALL are welcome to attend this event, which is open to the public. However, the central seating area is reserved for survivors and a single agency head/representative to sit with the family.
Honor Guard Candlelight Vigil Sign-Up <https://secure.nleomf.org/site/SSurvey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=2581>
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2026
Police Week Tent City
Presented by DC FOP State Lodge, Solace Brewing Company, and El Ray Navy Yard, we bring you: Tent City 2025. Police Week Tent City has found a new home, and it's better than ever!
When: May 13-15th
Where: TBD
This location is about 15 minutes from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. It is by the water, close to public transportation, and easy for pickup/drop with ride shares. There are also plenty of hotels in the area for nearby accommodations.
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026
Annual Steve Young National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Tribute
The Steve Young National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Tribute provide an opportunity for law enforcement organizations to perform ceremonious and patriotic tributes for public viewing. These teams are a highly dedicated group of law enforcement officers who represent organizations from across this great nation and Canada. They converge on the Nation’s Capital every year for National Police Week, where peace officers are honored for their dedicated service to protecting our communities. This event is the tribute that these teams give to honor our fallen officers and their families. For more information or to register your team, please visit www.policeweekhonorguard.com <http://www.policeweekhonorguard.com/>. Time: 8 a.m. to approximately 4 p.m.
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026
Police Vehicle Display and Shine
This is a tribute to those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Police Vehicles have become an essential tool utilized in American Law Enforcement and have played a big role in the history of policing. The Vintage and Classic Police Vehicles have been restored as replicas of those once used to protect our communities. Many of them have been driven from several states away. They include marked and unmarked vehicles with correct agency emergency lights, sirens, radios, and even early computers. Additionally, these Vintage vehicles have classic police motorcycles and even scooters. The one-day event is on May 14th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the U.S. Capitol Reflection Pool.
If you have questions regarding the police vehicle display, contact Chuck Viggiani at chuck.viggiani82@gmail.com <mailto:chuck.viggiani82@gmail.com>. To enter your car, please register using this link <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNhgha2FjxGd1dpgWLJ0kmgazOMG6QrTgjlVdVt4Td4QoZhQ/viewform?usp=pp_url>
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026
Concerns of Police Survivors National Police Survivors' Conference Day 1
The National Police Survivors' Conference provides surviving family members and co-workers with the opportunity to find support and understanding from other survivors, talk with mental health professionals, and attend support sessions that will help them and their family address their grief. The conference is being held at the Washington Hilton Hotel from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/aboutnpw <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/aboutnpw__;!!AqUccmB9Oakh!3qA2Ao25Fx89PcJJdPbFUtrgksbLW5MDfY7wXz8HS3k_XA9LZfmMC2TweZ2z8Fut4FMVDZET-c1WgW6Gjnew_BhpYSGEhGg$>.
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026
Concerns of Police Survivors Blue Honor Gala
Join C.O.P.S. for a formal evening of honor and tribute to our fallen heroes during National Police Week. Enjoy an elegant dinner, listen to guest speakers, and finish the night with live music and dancing. This is a ticketed event; formal blue/black attire is required. The event will be held at the Washington Hilton from 6:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit C.O.P.S. Blue Honor Gala <https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E351293&id=96>
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026
Police Week Tent City
Presented by DC FOP State Lodge, Solace Brewing Company, and El Ray Navy Yard, we bring you: Tent City 2025. Police Week Tent City has found a new home, and it's better than ever!
When: May 13-15th; doors open 11 a.m.
Where: TBD
This location is about 15 minutes from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. It is by the water, close to public transportation, and easy for pickup/drop with ride shares. There are also plenty of hotels in the area for nearby accommodation.
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026
45th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service
Sponsored by the Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police and the Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary, the National Peace Officers Memorial Service will be held on the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.
The Service primarily honors officers who have recently made the ultimate sacrifice and pays tribute to all fallen officers. Additional details will be provided as they become available. Please email Chairman Matt Hagen at fopmemorial@gmail.com <mailto:fopmemorial@gmail.com?subject=NPOMS> with any questions regarding the National Peace Officers Memorial Service.
The Service will begin at 12:00 noon and is expected to last approximately three hours.
Law Enforcement Attendance Requirements:
• All attending law enforcement officers must wear their badge on their outermost garment.
• Officers must present two (2) forms of government-issued identification, including their department credentials.
• Retired officers are not permitted to carry firearms on United States Capitol grounds and will be denied entry if in possession of one.
If your agency's Honor Guard team wishes to sign up for the Cordon and Colors Honor Guard at the May 15th Fraternal Order of Police National Peace Officers Memorial Service, each team member will need to complete the online registration.
National Peace Officers Memorial Service Honor Guard Sign-Up <https://fs11.formsite.com/bj5ivD/zphf335uhl/index>
Beyond the events above, all are welcome at the Memorial any time, day or night. The Memorial remains open to the public 24/7. If you are interested in attending the museum, you can get more information here: nleomf.org/museum/ <https://nleomf.org/museum/>
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council present this proclamation annually.
Public Notification and Engagement
Please see list above.