Each year, May 15th is set aside as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to pay tribute to those law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. On May 13th, thousands will gather at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial in our Nation’s capital to participate in a candlelight vigil. As part of that ceremony, there is a reading of the names that will be added to the walls of the memorial; the names of almost 400 law enforcement officers will be read and then take their place on the walls with more than 20,000 of their brothers and sisters. Syracuse Police Department holds a banquet every year during National Police Week to recognize the hard work and dedication of its members and to pay tribute to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. For more information regarding National Police Week, please see http://www.nleomf.org/programs/policeweek/. 

April 15-22nd, 2018, was National Volunteer Week.  Since 2013, Syracuse Police Department has collaborated with the Syracuse Lion’s Club to form a Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program. Most volunteer efforts have centered on administering fingerprinting services for the public. Prior to the partnership, officers had to be called in from the field to perform this function; volunteers have allowed the Department to continue this valued service, while keeping officers out patrolling the community. Volunteers have also helped with data entry and other administrative functions within the Department. In 2017, Lynn John, Mike Eisenberg, Sandra John, Candi Ackerman, Steven Anderson, Chris O’Shea, Eric Ellington, and Merl Thurgood (all members of The Lion’s Club) combined to donate 210 hours to the Department. They were recognized for their service to the community during the April 10th City Council meeting.