MANSFIELD — Communities across the nation, including Mansfield, are recognizing May 13 – 19 as National Police Week.
During Tuesday night’s city council meeting, Mayor Tim Theaker read a proclamation in commemoration of National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day, which was May 15.
“Lately, the police department really has been on the short end of our respect, the citizens’ of Mansfield, the citizens’ around the United States respect, and we need to change that,” Theaker said.
“We need to have a paradigm change to make the police and law enforcement and safety forces the top of what we feel is needed in this community.”
In reading the proclamation he noted that more than 21,000 law officers around the country have been killed in the line of duty, including 51 so far this year.
“Our first line of defense against the enemies of freedom is our law enforcement officers,” he read.
Capt. Shari Robertson thanked the mayor, council and citizens for their support of the Mansfield Police Department.
“I have a lot of belief in our police department,” she said.
A Mansfield native, Robertson said she’s proud to be a citizen of Mansfield.
“I love the fact that at least here in Mansfield I can say that our community outreach and our relationship with the community has only improved over the last several years,” she said.
One community event hosted by the Mansfield Division of Police that’s fast approaching is the annual “Bike-A-Palooza,” which will take place Saturday, May 19 at North Lake Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This free family festival features several activities for children and families to enjoy.
Every child that registers will receive a free helmet.
