This week, hug a police officer

Today through Friday, HPD will be observing National Police Week with a number of activities. The purpose of this week is to increase public awareness of the role of police officers and to remember and honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives so that we live in safety and peace. Here's a rundown of what's going on in Houston to honor our hard-working police officers:

• Daily pre-scheduled tours and demonstrations at the Police Academy
• Day of Prayer News Conference on Monday, May 14, 2007, at the HPD Administration Building, to reinforce the partnership that exists between the community and the police department.
• The Police Week Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday at 7:30 pm, in the gymnasium at the Houston Police Academy, 17000 Aldine-Westfield.
• The Annual Memorial Service will be held on Friday at 7:15 p.m., at the Houston Police Officers Memorial site to honor those officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. The procession down Memorial Drive will begin at 7 p.m. The candlelight vigil will include the placing of a wreath on the memorial, a roll call of deceased officers, a 21-gun salute, the playing of "Taps", and a fly-over by our police helicopters.

Photo from Flickr user laanba.