WASHINGTON — Police Weekend 2024, taking place from Sept. 27-29, features a range of events to honor and celebrate law enforcement officers.
Organized by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, the weekend includes the annual National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Run, an awards ceremony recognizing recipients of the Destination Zero Officer Safety and Wellness Awards, Officers of the Month and the Ambassador Impact Award. Additionally, the weekend will showcase the opening of a new art exhibit and a free open house at the National Law Enforcement Museum.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of all the events happening during Police Weekend 2024:
1. Annual Awards Ceremony and Reception
Date: Friday, Sept. 27, 2024
Location: National Law Enforcement Museum
This event recognizes individuals and agencies that made significant contributions, including:
- 2024 Destination Zero Officer Safety and Wellness Awards
- 2024 Officers of the Month
- 2024 Ambassador Impact Award
The Destination Zero Officer Safety and Wellness Award recipients include:
- Traffic Safety Award: Independence (Ohio) Police Department for their program using portable generators at major intersections to ensure officers don’t have to stand in the street during inclement weather or accidents.
- Wellness Award: Texas Department of Public Safety for their Fitness Wellness Unit, which provides physical wellness programs, webinars and training for over 11,000 employees – from recruitment to retirement.
- General Safety Award: Fairfax County (Va.) Police Department for opening their Fairfax County Public Safety Wellness Center, which offers behavioral health services to public safety personnel and retirees in Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax.
- Comprehensive Wellness Award: Baltimore City (Md.) Police Department for their Officer Safety and Wellness Department, which supports officers’ physical, mental, financial and spiritual wellbeing throughout their careers.
- Comprehensive Safety Award: Louisville Metro (Ky.) Police Department for their Exposure Response Team, which responds to officer exposure to body fluids and a respiratory protection program that safeguards against contaminants with air-purifying respirators.
John Dilibert, a retired law enforcement officer from both Burbank, Calif., and the Ada County Sheriff’s Department in Boise, Idaho, has been awarded the Ambassador Impact Award for his contributions to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund’s Ambassador Program. His volunteer efforts, outreach and dedication to enhancing training have significantly impacted the program’s growth and mission.
2. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Run
Date: Friday – Sunday, Sept. 27-29, 2024
This is a nationwide virtual event where participants can run, walk, bike, or even walk their dogs in support of law enforcement. Wear your participant gear and raise funds to support NLEOMF’s mission.
How to join:
- Register as an individual or team
- Fundraise to support NLEOMF’s mission
- Participate anytime during the weekend
It’s not too late to sign up for the run! Click here to register.
3. Washington Nationals Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
Date: Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at 6:45 PM
Game: Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Join law enforcement, first responders and public safety officials for a night at the ballpark. Special seating starts at $16 and $5 from each ticket will be donated to the NLEOMF.
Click here to purchase tickets.
4. Exhibit opening: Officers as Artists
Date: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024
Location: National Law Enforcement Museum, DuPont Gallery
This new exhibition features artwork by 50 active and retired law enforcement officers. Explore their creativity through painting, photography, sculpture and more. This exhibit celebrates how art helps officers manage stress and express themselves.
Included with general museum admission. Click here to buy an admission ticket.
5. Open House at the National Law Enforcement Museum
Date: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024
Enjoy free entry to the National Law Enforcement Museum along with interactive, family-friendly activities, including:
- K-9 demonstrations
- Storytime with an officer
- Activity tables (design your own police patch, handwriting analysis, fingerprinting and more)
- Self-guided scavenger hunts and photo stations
Space is limited for this event! Click here to register now.
NEXT: This video gives you a glimpse into the powerful exhibits and stories that honor the heroes who serve and protect at the National Law Enforcement Museum. Take a virtual tour and plan your next visit!
