Police Week originated with a 1962 presidential proclamation by John F. Kennedy. This established May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the surrounding week as National Police Week, honoring officers who died in the line of duty. The first official Peace Officers' Memorial Service was held in Washington, D.C., in 1982 by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). 

How to get involved

You can observe Police Week even if you are unable to attend events in Washington, D.C.. Consider wearing blue on May 15, lowering your American flag to half-staff on the same day, attending or organizing a local memorial event, supporting law enforcement organizations, or thanking a local officer for their service

More info on police week can be found here: https://www.policeweek.org/