Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week are a nationwide observance that pay tribute to the local, state and federal peace officers who have died in the line of duty. The Memorial activities take place each year on May 15th and during the week in which it falls.
The week was designated by Congress in October of 1961 when President John F. Kennedy signed a bill into law to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Here in Palm Beach Gardens, we have been fortunate to have only lost one Officer in the line of Duty. Officer William Matthews was killed in an automobile accident in 1979 as he attempted to make a traffic stop on a drunk driver.
The observances during this week are aimed at reminding us of the ongoing need to be vigilant against all forms of crime, especially to acts fo extreme violence or terrorism.
The Palm Beach Gardens Police Foundation expresses its appreciation to the dedicated men and women of the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department who put their lives on the line each and every day for the safety and protection of others. They serve with valor and distinction – and with great success.