Jefferson County commissioners have proclaimed the week of May 10 as “National Police Week.”

The commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation marking the annual commemoration of law enforcement during their meeting Monday.

Commissioners also noted Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, which falls on Saturday, May 15.

The proclamation stated: “It is important that all citizens know and understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards, and sacrifices of their law enforcement agency, and that members of our law enforcement agency recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence and disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression.” 

Commissioner Greg Brotherton said it was staggering the types of requests leveled at local law enforcement.

Commissioner Kate Dean agreed.

“It is shocking the kinds of emergencies that they have to respond to,” she said.

Dean said the people who were willing to dive into the line of fire to help others were truly remarkable. 

“A lot of respect for our law enforcement,” Dean said.

In addition to those who work for the Jefferson Country Sheriff’s Office, commissioners also thanked Port Townsend police and the Washington State Patrol, as well as those who staff the jail and provide security at the county courthouse.

Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour said she’s always concerned to hear sirens in the distance.

Eisenhour takes a breath and tells herself, “They got this,” she recounted at Monday’s meeting.