In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor the sacrifices and duty to service made by police officers across the country. Every year, the calendar week in which May 15 falls is recognized as National Police Week.
This year, National Police Week is May 11-17, providing an opportunity to highlight the officers of the Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) and honor and remember the countless officers from across the nation and the more than 400 from South Carolina who gave their lives in service to their communities.
“Our communities need us more than ever to help calm fears, address crime and perhaps most importantly, be a beacon of hope and compassion to a world that desperately needs it,” said Interim CUPD Chief Christopher Harrington. “The dedication and commitment required to be a law enforcement officer today is a hallmark of special people doing special work.
“Each of our CUPD officers knows the challenges and hardships that law enforcement officers face in these tumultuous and uncertain times. That is why I am so proud of the way our team lives out our vision of setting the standard of excellence in law enforcement through integrity, compassion, service before self and honor above all. It is also for these reasons that we pause to recognize Peace Officers Memorial Day and honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while serving their communities.”
In honor of the men and women of law enforcement who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, all sworn members of CUPD will drape their badges with mourning bands this week.
Recent CUPD highlights
- Officer Natalie Thompson was recently named the state’s Rookie of the Year by the South Carolina Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs for her efforts related to DUI arrests, DUI victim services and anti-underage drinking programs.
- CUPD also earned its third straight Agency of the Year award for DUI enforcement efforts, led by Sgt. Matthew Prisco.
- Sgt. Michelle Young achieved Credentialed Advocate status through the National Advocate Credentialing Program (NACP) from the National Organization for Victim Advocacy, a first for CUPD.
- Two members of CUPD, Captain Courtney Evans and Lt. Cortney Wright, recently completed the Excellence in Policing and Public Safety (EPPS) program from the Joseph F. Rice School of Law.
- CUPD received reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) earlier this year. Only 5% of law enforcement agencies in the U.S. achieve CALEA accreditation.
- The department’s mental health co-responder clinician program has supported police interactions with those in mental health crisis and provided the ability for appropriate interventions and diversions through having a highly-skilled resource responding directly alongside officers on calls for service.