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BELLEFONTE -- During the previous Centre County Board of Commissioners' meeting, the commissioners declared May 15-21 as "Police Week" in Centre County and May 17 as "Peace Officers' Memorial Day" in the county.
During National Police Week, brave men and women who serve as law enforcement officers are honored and tributed for protecting and ensuring the safety of the community. Their dedication, bravery and sacrifice is recognized.
National Peace Officers' Memorial Day gives the community an opportunity to remember and honor law enforcement officers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
On Wednesday, May 17, the community is invited to recognize their bravery and selflessness at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, beginning at 12 p.m.
"We are honoring 245 men and women who gave their lives last year," said Sheriff Bryan Sampsel, "Their selfless acts of courage were especially demonstrated without hesitation time and time again in 2022. This ceremony stands as a reminder that every hour of every day of every year those men and women take responsibility for the safety of society."
According to Sampsel, Chief John Petrick of Ferguson Township will be the MCee. The service will last around 45 minutes to an hour, and they will read all of the names of those who passed in the line of duty last year.
"It's a very somber event," said Chief Deputy Sheriff Todd Weaver, "There's usually tears shed. We'd appreciate it if you can make it."
All members of the public are invited to share this day of remembrance.
"I want to say thank you to not only (Sampel's) staff and service, but the law enforcement officers throughout the country," said Commissioner Steven Dershem, "They keep us safe every day. It's a tough job and sometimes it's a thankless job... It's an amazing thing to see the dedication of law enforcement professionals throughout our region."
Commissioner Amber Concepcion echoed Dershem's comments, adding, "You're running towards danger, the gravity of that -- you have a wife and kids at home. They're making a sacrifice."
Sampsel mentioned the dedication and quick responses of law enforcement during March of this year when the Bellefonte Area High School was locked down due to a shooting threat that law enforcement later determined to be a false report -- schools across the state were receiving similar "swatting" calls.
The initial threat, however, was not treated like a false alarm.
An estimated 70 officers from Bellefonte, State College, Penn State, Patton and Spring Township police departments and numerous others all arrived within minutes of the threat.
"Local law enforcement response during (the Bellefonte High School active shooter) incident was a credit to all of the local law enforcement offices. The fast response and thoroughness. It's a darn good thing it wasn't for real," said Chairman Mark Higgins.