Champaign Co. law enforcement honoring fallen officers for Police Week
CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Next week is National Police Week, and Champaign County law enforcement will be holding a series of events to honor those who serve and those who died in the line of duty.
The Urbana Police Department will kick things off on Monday with a memorial service at the Urbana City Building at 8 a.m. The ceremony will include speakers, a moment of silence and the posting of the city’s Law Enforcement Memorial Flag.
The Champaign Police Department will follow with their memorial service at 9 a.m. Tuesday at West Side Park. In addition to honoring fallen officers nationwide, Champaign Police will pay special tribute to the officers who died in the line of duty while serving Champaign: Thomas Dodsworth (EOW July 6, 1913), Robert Tatman (EOW November 25, 1967), and Christopher Oberheim (EOW May 19, 2021).
Immediately following the Champaign Police service, staff will attend Champaign County’s police memorial service at the Champaign County Courthouse.
All of the memorial services will be open to the public.
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In addition to the memorial services, the Champaign Police Department will be hosting a pair of events on Tuesday and Wednesday.
At 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil a new display of photos, news clippings and equipment from the history of the Champaign Police Department. Assembled by the Champaign Police Historical Society, the displays will be available for public viewing until 5 p.m. that day.
Lastly, at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the department will holds its Champaign Police Employee Awards Ceremony to honor the officers and civilian staff members who have performed exceptionally in their duties over the last year. Awards will include Employee of the Year and Officer of the Year and commendations for specific actions.
“In 163 years of service to the City of Champaign, Champaign Police have developed a rich history that has contributed to a tradition of excellence,” said Champaign Chief of Police Timothy Tyler. “This Police Week, Champaign Police will honor those who have committed themselves to preserving and presenting that history for our community to cherish for generations to come.”
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