The Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week Ceremony was held on Tracy Plaza outside of the Jamestown Municipal Building. Law enforcement and elected officials were joined by city administrators and the public to pay their respects to those who walk the “Thin Blue Line.”

Elliot Raimondo, city corporation counsel, presented a proclamation on behalf of the city to the police officers. Raimondo said May 15 is designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day, which was first recognized in 1962.

“We should appreciate the police for more than just one day,” he said.

County Executive PJ Wendel said the police and all public safety officials are important to their community, especially when it comes to tragic events like the Buffalo supermarket shooting. He said a retired Buffalo officer – Lt. Aaron Salter – died during the shooting as he was trying to protect others while exchanging gunfire with the suspect.

The Jamestown Police Department Honor Guard during the Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week Ceremony Friday.

“They ran in while others were running away,” he said.

State Assemblyman Andy Goodell, R-Jamestown, spoke about the incident he recently had where his vehicle was stolen while he was working in Albany. He spoke about how within minutes of knowing his vehicle had been stolen he was able to talk to a police officer and, within a couple of days, public safety officials had caught the thief.

“We rely day in and day out on the police and law enforcement,” he said.

During the ceremony, the Kendall Club Police Benevolent Association announced the recipients of the 2021 Officer of the Year Award. Sgt. Adam McKinley presented the awards to Mark Conklin, Erik Johanson, Jose Moya, Brian Park and Jack Swan. Park and Swan helped save a woman during a fire; Johanson and Moya helped save a sleeping man during a fire; and Conklin rescued a daughter and mother from the second story of a house fire.

Benjamin Gerring, Jamestown Police Department chaplain, thanked the officers for putting on their shields each day to protect the community they serve.

“Each of you carries the burdens of the community,” he said.

Chautauqua County Legislator Lisa Vanstrom also spoke during the ceremony on behalf of state Sen. George Borrello.

The ceremony also included the Jamestown Police Department Honor Guard, police officers from the Jamestown Police Department and New York State Police and 96th Highlanders Pipes and Drums Scottish band.