ALAMOSA — Following a somber ceremony held earlier in the evening recognizing those who devoted their lives to enforcing the law and others who lost their lives in the line of duty, members of Alamosa City Council made a proclamation during Wednesday night’s meeting that declared the week of May 13 as “Police Week” and May 15 as “Peace Officers Memorial Day”.

The proclamation was read aloud by Alamosa Mayor Ty Coleman while Alamosa Police Department Chief of Police George Dingfelder stood at the podium and listened.

The proclamation's timing was noteworthy as it was held on the same day as the trial in the case of an officer who was shot and seriously injured while on duty ended.

The proclamation read as follows:

WHEREAS, the Congress and President of the United States have designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which it falls as Police Week; and

WHEREAS, the members of law enforcement and the Alamosa Police Department play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the citizens of Alamosa; and

WHEREAS, it is important that all citizens know and understand the problems, duties and

responsibilities of their police department, and that members of our police department recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence or disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression or intimidation; and

WHEREAS, the City of Alamosa Police Department has grown to be a modern and scientific law enforcement agency which unceasingly provides a vital public service; and

WHEREAS, I, City of Alamosa Mayor, Ty Coleman, call upon all citizens of Alamosa and upon all patriotic, civil, and educational organizations to observe the week of May 13, 2024, as Police Week with appropriate ceremonies in which all of our people may join in commemorating police officers, past and present, who by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities have rendered a dedicated service to their communities and, in doing so, have established for themselves an enviable and enduring reputation for preserving the rights and security of all citizens.

I, FURTHER call upon all citizens of Alamosa to observe Wednesday, May 15, 2024, as Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of those peace officers who, through their courageous deeds, have lost their lives or have become disabled in the performance of duty.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ty Coleman, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Alamosa, and on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby honor law enforcement officers across the country and the Alamosa Police Department and proudly proclaim the week of May 13, 2024 as Police Week and May 15, 2024 as Peace Officers Memorial Day.