MARQUETTE — The Michigan Senate and House on Thursday passed resolutions declaring May 14-20 as Police Week in Michigan.

According to a news release by Police Week Michigan, this was a bipartisan effort.

“We are so thankful for the stand Democrats and Republicans are taking in the Michigan Legislature on behalf of law enforcement,” Chair of Police Week Michigan Amy Hawkins said in the news release. “They have no idea how much this small act will boost morale in a big way.”

The Michigan Senate passed Resolution 48, led by Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton. She said in the news release that communities rely on police officers when it is difficult to stand alone.

“We are indebted to the unwavering public service of our local and state police,” Theis said. “We are indeed fortunate and grateful for the contributions of law enforcement officers to the people of this state.”

The House passed H.R. 107, led by Rep. Andrew Beeler, R-Port Huron. He said in the news release that Police Week Michigan gives Michiganders a reason to thank local police, county sheriffs and state troopers.

“At a time when law enforcement is under attack, it’s never been more important to show our collective support for those who run towards the sound of gunfire,” Beeler said. “Without safe communities, businesses fail and families can’t thrive. Law enforcement makes that possible, and this week, we thank them.”

According to Police Week Michigan’s website, the holiday was created on Oct. 1, 1961, when Congress authorized then-President John F. Kennedy to designate May 15 to honor peace officers. During that week, law enforcement are honored and celebrated in the United States.

In 2019, the nonpartisan organization Police Week Michigan formed to continue supporting Michigan law enforcement.

“It’s our opportunity as citizens, which really I think we should do every day, to thank officers, to give thanks to these unselfish men and women who every day get up to work not knowing how the day is going to go,” Police Week Michigan Finance Chair Scott Greenlee said.

“It’s quite different than my day or the day of an average citizen who gets up and might have some stress at the office or stress on location wherever we work. These are folks who quite frankly don’t know if they are coming home at the end of the day because of the violence.”

Locally, Marquette Chief of Police Ryan Grim said in an email that his police department is lucky to serve a community that is supportive. He said the department receives cards, artwork from schools and other thank yous that are special to officers.

“Our officers really appreciate it and they are reminded that what they do matters and it has a positive impact on the safety of our community,” Grim said.

He also said that community interactions are important to the officers because they are a way to connect with the public in a nonenforcement manner.

“This allows us to connect on a personal level as opposed to strictly professional, such as when addressing a specific issue or call for service,” Grim said. “The community engagement efforts our officers conduct is as good for them as it is for the members of our community. When interacting with residents and visitors, we are reminded that 99 percent of our public are great people and it is motivating to do our job well to protect and serve them to the best of our ability.”

Typical duties for officers consist of responding to calls for service throughout the city, Grim said. Calls range from traffic crashes and enforcement to larceny, assault, public intoxication, drug enforcement and vagrancy.

When officers are not busy on calls, he said the officers walk through schools, businesses, parks, sporting events and the downtown.

“This not only serves as a crime deterrent but also as a way for the officers to connect to residents and visitors of our community,” Grim said.

On Thursday, two officers from the Marquette Police Department will attend the Peace Officers Memorial in Kingsford.

“This is a really special event that is held each year at different locations throughout the U.P. (Upper Peninsula) and it honors our fallen officers,” Grim said.

According to reports from National Fraternal Order of Police, as of April 30, 135 officers have been shot in the line of duty, which is 48% more from 2021’s total up to that date and 52% more from 2020 year to date.

Of those officers shot, 15 have been killed by gunfire which is 21% lower than 2021’s year to date and 17% lower than 2020’s year to date. Michigan has had two officers shot in the line of duty, according to NFOP.

For more information on Police Week Michigan, visit the organization’s website online at policeweekmichigan.com.

Dreyma Beronja can be reached at 906-228-2500 ext. 548. Their email address is dberonj@miningjournal.net.