The city held a Peace Officers Memorial ceremony to recognize National Police Week, May 9 through May 15, and Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15.

Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist started the ceremony by thanking all police officers for their devotion and unselfish work they do each time they go on duty.

“We cannot thank you enough,” he said.

Sundquist noted the national debate about social justice involving law enforcement in several U.S. cities. However, he said that’s not the case in Jamestown because the department’s men and women protect and embrace everyone in the community.

Jamestown Police Department officers, New York State Police officers and Jamestown Fire Department firefighters stand at attention during the Peace Officers Memorial ceremony outside the Jamestown Municipal Building Friday. P-J photo by Dennis Phillips

“Our department is a shining example of our city,” he said.

The mayor said President John F. Kennedy in 1962 designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in the United States. Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week are an observance in the United States that pay tribute to local, state and federal peace officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty.

County Executive PJ Wendel said public safety officials like police officers have no hesitation and no reservation to put their own lives in harms way to protect community residents.

“Let people know these men and women are here for us,” he said.

Benjamin Gerring, Jamestown Police Department chaplain, read a letter from Sam Piazza, Kendall Club Police Benevolent Association president, about how he is nominating all Jamestown Police Department officers as Officer of the Year for the work they’ve performed during the COVID-19 pandemic, putting the lives of community residents ahead of their own and their family’s.

From left, Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist, Benjamin Gerring, Jamestown Police Department chaplain, and County Executive PJ Wendel place a wreath next to the police memorial on Tracy Plaza during the Peace Officers Memorial ceremony Friday. P-J photo by Dennis Phillips

Gerring said many people in the community who don’t work in law enforcement have no idea what pain and hardships the men and women protecting and serving the community go through as peacekeepers.

“Today is the day we get to say, ‘Thank you,”’ he said.

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

People show their support for police officers and law enforcement during the Jamestown Peace Officers Memorial ceremony Friday. P-J photo by Dennis Phillips