At a time in history when law enforcers are sometimes maligned, scrutinized and underappreciated, next week’s 22nd-annual Police Week in Kane County takes on special meaning.

Aurora police officers and city officials will pay tribute to the dedication of the men and women past and present who protect Aurora and communities nationwide during “National Police Week” from May 13 to May 19, 2018.

This marks the 22nd straight year the Police Department and city are celebrating the week, which has been observed nationally since President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 proclamation that designated the week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week.

The same proclamation named May 15 as National Police Officer’s Memorial Day to honor those officers who have been killed in the line of duty.

Events during the week include:

Wednesday, May 16

Kane County Law Enforcement Appreciation Ceremony — 6 p.m. at House of God, Mooseheart, IL Route 31, Batavia.

The non-denominational service, sponsored by the Kane County Chiefs of Police Association, features a candle lighting vigil to honor Kane County officers who have been killed in the line of duty as well as formations from area police honor guards and pipe and drum units.

Special Olympics Illinois athlete Bree Bogucki will be singing the National Anthem and the Metea Valley High School Chamber Choir will be performing, as well.

The keynote speaker will be FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation Agent Matt Darby who was shot in May 2016 by a fugitive wanted for shooting a police officer nine days earlier in Mahomet, IL.

Friday, May 18

Cop on a Rooftop — 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Aurora Dunkin’ Donuts locations.

Aurora locations include 1255 N. Farnsworth, 1237 N. Eola, 2112 W. Galena, 2681 E. New York St.; and 2380 S. Eola. Other locations will host law enforcers from police departments throughout Kane County.

The annual Cop on A Rooftop is presented in conjunction with Dunkin’ Donuts. Police officers will be taking donations for Special Olympics in exchange for a coupon entitling you to a free doughnut.

If you donate at least $10, you’ll receive a travel mug while supplies last and a coupon for a free medium coffee. We will be assisted by our Citizen Police Academy Alumni of Aurora, IL who will be selling a variety of Special Olympics Torch Run memorabilia including T-shirts, pins and hats.

Saturday, May 19

Annual Aurora Police Department Memorial Ceremony — 10 a.m. at Memorial Plaza outside the Aurora Police Department’s Headquarters, 1200 E. Indian Trail.

A service dedicated to the memories of Alfred Olin and Thompson Richardson, the only two Aurora Police officers ever killed in the line of duty. Also memorialized will be the six retired Aurora Police Officers who have passed away since last year’s ceremony including officers John Saltijeral and Frank Mexin; Sgts. Duane Such and David Gumz and Lts. Norman Perkins and Donald McDonald.

Also honored by having their names added to the service walls affixed to the headquarters building will be 11 employees who retired in the past year: officers Larry Flowers, Mark Johnson, Brian Hester, and Mike Auld; Sgts. Nancy Rodarte, Bill Hall, Kim Groom and Tom Kearbey; Cmdr. Paul Nelson; Booking Officer Sam Roman; and Executive Secretary Kathy McCannon.

The Aurora Police Honor Guard will stage formations and a gun salute during the ceremony and the Pipes and Drums of the Aurora Police will also perform.

After the ceremony, families are invited to check out an array of Aurora Police vehicles that will be on display; children will be able to have their pictures taken in an Aurora Police uniform; there will be balloons and face painting courtesy of Buchar Family Chiropractic; and Aurora’s Law Enforcement Youth Academy Alumni will be doing fingerprint kits and an obstacle course for kids, while

The Citizen Police Academy Alumni will selling hamburger & hot dog meals. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held in the APD Community Room (like last year’s which was the first time we ever had rain for the memorial.)

Tuesday, May 22

The Aurora Exchange Club Police Officer of the Year — 11:30 a.m. at Gaslite Manor Banquets, 2485 Church Road.

Usually held during Police Week, a scheduling conflict moved the annual award to the following week this year.

Three Aurora Police Officers — Detective Dave Brian and Officers Jay Ellis and Steve Pacenti — have been nominated for the award which has been handed out since 1963. Keynote Speaker is Aurora Alderman and former Mayor Robert O’Connor.

The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday May 11. Information is at 630-256-5008.

SOURCE: Aurora Police Department Facebook page

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