FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Matt Maisel
Communications Director, City of Harrisburg
717-255-7295
[email protected]
HARRISBURG – The City of Harrisburg is always appreciative of the work of the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. This week, though, an extra “Thank you” is in order.
Harrisburg is celebrating Police Appreciation Week this week, May 9-13, with local businesses donating their time and food to show their gratitude. More than that, though, the week serves as an opportunity to highlight the incredible work of the 125 officers who work in the bureau.
In 2022, Harrisburg police officers have solved nine of the 10 homicides in the city, with arrests made in eight of the 10. There has not been a homicide in the city since April 2, and shots fired incidents have decreased since Harrisburg Bureau of Police officers started heavy saturation details in high-crime spots throughout the city.
The key to a safer Harrisburg, says Mayor Wanda Williams, is making sure the public knows the officers are part of their community.
“Community policing starts here in the mayor’s office,” Mayor Williams said. “I’m constantly engaging with our police officers to figure out what our residents need from them and what they need from me. I want them to be able to communicate with the city. Not just provide safety but comfort. Talk to the community and help them understand we’re not the bad guys. We’re here to help.”
Police Appreciation Week started with an emotional ceremony at the State Museum, in which Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter, alongside other officers, Governor Wolf, Attorney General Josh Shapiro, numerous state lawmakers, and the Fraternal Order of Police, honored fallen officers who died in the line of duty.
The ceremony featured a wreath-laying dedication to the 35 officers across Pennsylvania who were killed in the line of duty in the past year.
“It’s necessary [to honor them] because officers take an oath to serve their country and communities faithfully,” said Harrisburg Police Commissioner Thomas Carter. “A lot of officers have lost their lives upholding that belief. It’s up to us to be appreciative of their sacrifices because it’s not just them, it’s their family making that sacrifice as well.”
Throughout the week, local businesses will be delivering food and gifts to show their appreciation for Harrisburg officers.
On Monday, Hershey Creamery dropped off ice cream sandwiches, and Mission BBQ served up meals. Other businesses donating their time and food include Arooga’s, Alecco’s, Middleswarth Chips, Midwest Food Bank, Karns, and Giant Food Stores.
Police wives, spouses, and significant others also plan to serve up specials for officers throughout the week.
Harrisburg’s Police Appreciation Week is running in conjunction to National Police Week, which will be observed May 11-17. It was started by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, to recognize law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.