News : Mayor Watson signs National Police Week Proclamation

Vinton Police Chief Jeff Tilson witnesses Mayor John Watson proclaim Police Week in Vinton.

There are 900,000 law enforcement officers in the United States.

Each year, there are 60,000 assaults on those officers.

That's one assault for each of the 15 officers in the U.S.

Since 1792, when the first law enforcement officer's death on duty was recorded, there have been approximately 19,000 law enforcement officers slain in the line of duty. One of those who died was Benton County Sheriff Leland Fry, who died a day after being shot in 1938 (see related story HERE). In 2009, another 116 officers died in the line of duty across the U.S.

To honor those law enforcement officers who serve, and those who have died, Vinton Mayor John Watson joined local officials all over the U.S. in proclaiming May 9-15 as National Police Week. May 15 is also Peace Officers Memorial Day. Vinton Police Chief Jeff Tilson witnessed Mayor Watson's signature on the proclamation recently.