C.O.P.S. National President welcomes 6,400 survivors to National Police Week in Washington, D.C.
Coming up this May, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) is preparing to welcome over 6,400 survivors to National Police Week in Washington, D.C. The National President of C.O.P.S., Patricia Carruth, will address her fellow survivors with the following welcoming message, which highlights the events of the week. We hope this message helps you understand the true meaning behind National Police Week, and the heroic lives to be honored.
“It is my honor to welcome you all to Washington, D.C., where you will be welcomed by so many of your fellow survivors. I, myself, am among them. I have walked in your very shoes when I attended my first National Police Week in 2004. This first year can seem like a blur with all the events that you and your families will attend. But I ask you to trust C.O.P.S. and all of the organizations who have worked tirelessly to ensure this week is full of honor, remembrance, and healing.
As the C.O.P.S. National President, you will hear me tell my story throughout this week. Being able to share my son with you is a blessing, and I will forever share him with the world because it is healing for me. Hearing your stories about the lives of your officers is important to me. I learn something new with every survivor with whom I connect. I hope I get to meet each and every one of you at some point during this week.
This will be a week of honoring your fallen hero, and you will leave knowing they will never be forgotten. Please do not lose sight of the fact that this week is also about you. It's about your family. It's about healing, rebuilding, and learning how to navigate our journey through grief.
My son, Alexandria (LA) Police Officer Jeremy "Jay" Carruth, was shot and killed on February 20, 2003. As a member of the Special Response Team, Jay was often on the front lines when needed. He died along with his fellow officer and friend, David Ezernack. Three other officers were injured in the incident. Our entire community was in shock and disbelief. For my family, my husband (Charles) and I had lost our only son, our three daughters (Amy, Carey, and Stacie) lost their only brother, and my two young granddaughters (Noelle and Margaux) had lost their father. We were broken.
After the funerals, life was different. There were so many events to honor Jay and David, but National Police Week was the first time I felt support outside of our community. I met other moms who connected with me in ways that had me saying, "That's how I feel!" If you are reading this on the first day of arriving this week, please let me know if you have a moment like this before you head back home. The circumstances that bring us all together are not ideal, but this week will help you understand that you are truly not alone in this. Slowly but surely, together, we can help you bring JOY back into your life.
The next few days are going to be fast-paced and emotional at times. If you are having a difficult time and need to speak to someone, Support Services is available to you and your family 24/7 during National Police Week.
The main events of the week will kick off on Friday, May 12, at Hains Point for the arrival ceremony of the Law Enforcement United (LEU) bicycle memorial ride. LEU riders are active and retired law enforcement officers, as well as survivors, who not only ride to remember your officers, but to let all of us, the survivors, know we will never have to walk this path alone. The majority of their funds raised goes towards supporting C.O.P.S.' programs.
On Saturday, May 13, we will travel over to the National Mall for the extremely moving Candlelight Vigil hosted by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. This event is held outside, rain or shine.
On Sunday, May 14, and Tuesday, May 16, C.O.P.S. will host sessions for surviving family members and co-workers at the Washington Hilton. These sessions have been designed with topics specific to your needs, and to help navigate your grief journey. During the evening of the 16th, please join us for some well-deserved relaxation at the annual Blue Family BBQ for dinner, dancing, games, and fun for the entire family!
On Monday, May 15, transportation will take us to the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service hosted by the Grand Lodge Fraternal Order of Police and its Auxiliary. Special guests and leaders of our nation will address all of us at this beautiful service at the U.S. Capitol. Your officers names will be called, your family will place a flower in the wreath, and you will receive a medal in honor of your loved one’s sacrifice.
It's an absolute honor to be amongst the surviving family members and co-workers of our nation's fallen heroes. May God bless you this week and give you comfort in knowing your blue family is always around you.”
For more information or to follow the events of National Police Week this May, follow @concernsofpolicesurvivors on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
This column from the Concerns of Police Survivors is part of the FEDforum, an initiative to unite voices across the federal community. The FEDforum is a space for federal employee and law enforcement groups to share their organizations’ initiatives and activities with the FEDagent audience.
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