Pottawattamie County Recognizes Police Week 2026

Posted May 14, 2026
Posted by Sheriff's Office and Public Relations

The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors officially proclaimed May 10–16, 2026, as National Police Week, recognizing the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers locally and across the nation. 

The proclamation was presented by Sheriff Andy Brown and Chief Deputy Steve Winchell of the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office and approved unanimously by the Board. 

National Police Week honors the more than 800,000 law enforcement officers serving communities throughout the United States and remembers those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Since the first recorded officer death in 1786, more than 24,000 officers nationwide have made the ultimate sacrifice, including five members of the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office. 

As part of the observance, the Pottawattamie County Courthouse will be illuminated blue throughout the week as a public tribute to law enforcement officers and their families. 

The proclamation also recognizes May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, a day designated to honor fallen officers and their families. Flags are encouraged to be flown at half-staff in remembrance. 

National Police Week was established in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which it falls as National Police Week. 

Pottawattamie County encourages residents to take a moment to recognize and thank our dedicated law enforcement officers for their service.