TWIN FALLS — In keeping with a nearly 60-year tradition, Twin Falls will honor local law enforcement for Police Week. President John F. Kennedy started the national tradition in 1962. Now, Mayor Suzanne Hawkins is keeping it alive locally May 9 through15.
Until May 15, residents will have the chance to show their support for members of the Twin Falls Police Department, Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office, Idaho State Police, and other first responders.
“These are people who are serving their communities," said Joshua Palmer, the spokesperson for Twin Falls City Hall. "They elected to step up to the plate, to pass a stringent series of tests and to serve their communities and to serve people really at their most difficult times and that’s a lot to ask.”
A back-the-blue event was held Tuesday evening at Twin Falls City Park with music, food and police vehicles making the rounds for children to experience. The city will also host a memorial service for fallen officers at 11 a.m. on May 15 in the city park.
“It’s when we recognize officers who have fallen not only within the city of Twin Falls but throughout our region. It’s also a chance for us to again, thank those officers for their service,” said Palmer.
After the past year, many local officers are glad to see community members rally behind them and show their support.
“We are grateful that we are able to live and work in a community where we have that support, that trust and we work hard every day to keep that,” said TFPD Patrol Lt. Chuck Garner.