The Houston Police Department invites the community to observe and participate in National Police Week from next Monday, May 14, through Friday, May 18.

All officers and citizens are encouraged to drive with their headlights on, in remembrance of the peace officers who have sacrificed their lives while protecting our cities.

This year's activities for HPD include four important events, as well as daily pre-scheduled tours to children at the HPD Training Academy.

The HPD Honor Guard will participate in the National Police Week Ceremony in Washington, D. C., from May 12 through May 16.

From Wednesday May 16 through Friday May 18 during Police Week, Houston-area school children are once again participating in pre-scheduled tours and demonstrations at the Houston Police Academy L. D. Morrison, Sr. Memorial Center, 17000 Aldine Westfield. The children will meet with officers and partake in demonstrations from the Air Support Division, K-9 Unit, SWAT, Dive Team, Training Division, and Community Outreach Unit.

The Police Week Awards Ceremony Luncheon will be held on Thursday, May 17, at noon, at the Downtown Aquarium, 401 Bagby Street. The ceremony will feature the reading of the Mayor's Proclamation and awards presentations to HPD employees. This event is by invitation only.

The Day of Prayer Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 18, at the Houston Police Officers' Union at 1600 State Street. Houston-area clergy members will gather to reinforce the partnership that exists between the community and the department. The public is invited to attend.

The Annual Police Week Memorial Service will be held on Friday (May 18), at 7 p.m., at the Houston Police Officers Memorial site at 2400 Memorial Drive to honor those officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. A procession of police officers will walk down Memorial Drive beginning at 7 p.m. A candlelight vigil will be held and include the placing of a wreath on the Houston Police Officers Memorial, a roll call of deceased officers, a 21-gun salute, the playing of TAPS, and a fly-over by HPD helicopters. The public is invited to attend.

Please join the Houston Police Department in commemorating the law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, selflessly dedicating their lives in the line of duty while serving to protect the citizens of our great city.