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Police Week In-Person Events Delayed
VOLUME 31, NUMBER 2 • SUMMER 2021
Police Officers Labor Council (POLC) 667 E. Big Beaver Road, Suite 205, Troy, MI 48083. (248) 524-3200 • FAX: (248) 524-2752 POLC membership: www.polc.org
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
CHAIR: Steve McInchak
Gibraltar Police Dept.
VICE CHAIR: Brian McNair
Chesterfield Township Police Dept.
Collin Birnie
Flint Police Dept. Scott Eager
Battle Creek Police Dept.
Troy Taylor
Oak Park Public Safety Dept.
Jeff Gormley
Bloomfield Hills Public Safety Dept.
John Huizdos
Bloomfield Township Police Dept.
DIRECTOR, Robert Figurski
Warren PD (Retired)
MEMBER SERVICES Lloyd Whetstone
PUBLICATIONS Executive Editor: Jennifer Gomori
Organizers delay inperson Police Week events until October
National Police Week host organizers postponed in-person events during National Police Week May 9-15, 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Some virtual events took place in May, including the Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, however organizers rescheduled the in-person Police Week events to Oct. 13-17, 2021 in Washington D.C. That decision was due to the inability to secure necessary permits in time due to COVID-19 restrictions. In-person Michigan Police Week events were also postponed due to COVID-19.
During the Virtual Candlelight Vigil, the names of 394 officers who died in the line of duty were read, including 99 from historical records. The remaining 295 officers died in 2020, including a staggering 182 officers who died as a result of exposure to COVID-19 while performing official duties.
“Rarely have the importance and implications of protecting the public been more evident than during this pandemic,” said POLC Director Rob Figurski. “Law enforcement officers have taken on the double exposure of danger performing their duties during a deadly virus. We salute your steadfast commitment to maintaining law and order during an extremely unpredictable time and honor all those who paid the ultimate price.”
In-person Police Week events are as follows:
POLICE WEEK EVENTS – MICHIGAN
Year-round: Police Week Michigan, a citizen project launched in 2019, encourages residents to support their local law enforcement officers during National Police Week and throughout the year. Police Week Michigan’s website is filled with ideas to support and recognize officers as individuals or through schools and community organizations. Click here for ideas to support your local law enforcement officers. Saturday, Aug. 14: Annual Michigan Peace Officers’ Candlelight Memorial Service – 3 p.m. east steps of Lansing State Capitol, 100 North Capitol Avenue. The service will honor 2019 and 2020 fallen Michigan officers. Please contact Andrea Arrington, Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors President at (877) 464-2677 or email survivor@micops.org for more information.
Wednesday, Oct. 13: Blue Honor Gala – Time and Location TBD. Formal event for law enforcement officers, survivors and peer supporters honoring fallen heroes. www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/national-police-weekend • Police Unity Tour Chapters 1, 2 and 9 are postponing their May 2021 rides until October to align with COVID-19 postponed National Police Week in-person events. Arrival is at the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial on Oct. 13. Police Unity Tour raises awareness for law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty while raising funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum. Call (973) 443-0030, email cjacksic@ policeunitytour.com or visit www.policeunitytour.com Thursday, Oct. 14: Blue Family Brunch – 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA. Open to those who registered through C.O.P.S. website. Survivors are encouraged to attend to meet fellow survivors prior to main events. Registration required at www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/national-police-weekend • NLEOMF Candlelight Vigil – 6 p.m. at the National Mall. Honoring officers who died in the line of duty whose names were engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers
Memorial Wall in 2020 and 2021. Email vigil@nleomf.org, call (202) 737-3400 or visit nleomf.org/ Friday, Oct. 15: C.O.P.S. National Police Survivors’ Conference for Family Members & Friends – 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA. Surviving family and friends gather for support and understanding from other survivors, attend seminar sessions, and inspirational presentations on hope and survival. www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/national-policeweekend • C.O.P.S. National Police Survivors’ Conference for Co-Workers – 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at DoubleTree Crystal City, 300 Army Navy Dr., Arlington, VA. Surviving co-workers meet others who understand how they feel, attend seminar sessions, and inspirational presentations on hope and survival. www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/nationalpolice-weekend • C.O.P.S. Kids/Teens Program – 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Local Law Enforcement academies. Fallen officers’ children, step-children and siblings in K-12th grade attend grief counseling sessions designed for their needs and age-appropriate fun and social activities. Must be preregistered, no on-site registration. www.concernsofpolicesurvivors. org/national-police-weekend • C.O.P.S. Day Care Program – 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA. Surviving children, step-children and siblings, infant through preschool (up to age 6) may attend the Day Care Program while adults are in seminar sessions. Children will receive lunch and must be pre-registered at www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/national-police-weekend • Picnic on the Patio – 6-9 p.m. Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA. BBQ dinner featuring games, music, and more for survivors of all ages. www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/nationalpolice-weekend • 28th Annual TOP COPS Awards – Washington, D.C. held in conjunction with National Police Week. Information regarding tickets, which must be purchased in advance, will be available in July. For more information, please visit www.napo.org/top-cops/overview. For additional information, please contact Elizabeth Loranger at eloranger@napo.org or (703) 549-0775. Saturday, Oct. 16: FOP 40th Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service – Noon on West Front Lawn of the United States Capitol. Honoring fallen officers who were to be honored in May 2020 and May 2021. Email fopmemorialservice@fop.net or call (202) 547-1651. www.policeweek.org/ Sunday, Oct. 17: Travel Home Day – Transportation for survivors to Ronald Reagan Airport (DCA) ONLY is available through your hotel shuttle service. Please allow for extra time in lines. Neither C.O.P.S., nor the hotels can arrange transportation to Dulles or BaltimoreWashington International airports. d
Register today: POLC/GELC Annual Labor Conference resumes as pandemic slows
Pandemic response caused many 2020 events to be canceled or delayed, including the POLC/GELC Annual Labor Conference, but with restrictions easing the 2021 Conference is sure to provide a welcome getaway for members this fall.
Nationally acclaimed public safety/public sector employee advocate and author Will Aitchison is the featured speaker at the Sept. 15-17, 2021 POLC/GELC Annual Meeting and Labor Seminar. Aitchison will share his vast knowledge of issues facing all public safety and public sector employees at a new Traverse City venue for the conference. 2021 conference attendees will be greeted during an outdoor cocktail reception the evening of Sept. 15 at the elegant Park Place Hotel & Conference Center. Guests can take in the views of Grand Traverse Bay and downtown Traverse City while enjoying luxury accommodations. The Conference will feature complimentary breakfasts and lunch. Guests may also relax at the indoor pool, experience award-winning dining at Minervas Restaurant, or enjoy drinks and entertainment at the hotel’s lounge.
Union members have the opportunity to participate in the 23rd Annual POLC/GELC Golf Outing at Spruce Run Golf Course, located at the beautiful Grand Traverse Resort. Those interested in an alternative to the golf outing can participate in a Poker Run with beverage stops at local establishments.
Don’t delay! Register today for this informative, relaxing and fun getaway. Please turn to Pages 4-5 for registration forms and more details. d
