National Police Week is May 9-15.

At a time when law enforcement is under the microscope – especially on the national level – we find it so important to appreciate and support not only the Lake Ozark Police Department but also all lake-area law enforcement. National Police Week is a time set aside to honor and remember men and women in blue who keep us safe and protect our communities.

“Our police department has a day-in, day-out commitment to keep our community safe,” Lake Ozark Mayor Dennis Newberry said in a special salute to the LOPD. “While many communities have their own policing issues to face, Lake Ozark is unique in that there is a significant part of the year where the burden on our officers is greatly increased.”

Police Chief Gary Launderville notes that the LOPD is now at full force, while other lake-area departments struggle to attract and retain officers. He attributes that, in part, to the support of the board of aldermen, the administration and the Lake Ozark community at large.

“This year alone so far, we have lost nearly one officer per day in our country, and that is truly sad,” Launderville commented. “National Police Week means so much more every year to our officers. In our area, especially in Lake Ozark, we have great support from our community and that means a lot to each and every one of the officers from our department. We very much appreciate the relationship we have with our community.”

In a show of solidarity, Mayor Newberry has chosen to actively “back the blue” by donating his first quarter salary to the Lake Ozark Police Benevolent Association.

“The Benevolent Association helps out our guys when they are in need of new equipment or when facing bigger issues. To our officers, their families, and the community that supports them — thank you,” he said.  

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.