Warner Robins Police Department celebrating Police Week events

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — President John F. Kennedy proclaimed the week May 15 falls on as National Police Week, and it is in full swing for the Warner Robins Police Department, who is taking the time locally to honor those who serve.

On Monday, the department kicked off the week with the Reveille at the Museum of Aviation, but the celebrations began last Friday with a bass fishing tournament at Lake Sinclair.

The tournament saw 52 boats sign up and $6,200 raised for Georgia Special Olympics. Officer Greg Martin, who organized the event, was thrilled to see the turnout for a good cause.

“Words can’t express, I’m stoked and excited about this. It far exceeded my expectations and I’m totally indebted to several people who helped make it possible. I’m mind blown right now. Speechless and mind blown. It was awesome,” Martin said.

Martin gave details on multiple events happening throughout the week that the public is invited to attend.

First up, on Wednesday, May 17, the department will hold a Pray For Police event at the department’s front steps, located at 100 Watson Boulevard. The department is hopeful the community and local church leaders will come out to pray with law enforcement for themselves and the city.

The keynote speaker will be Southside Warner Robins Pastor Matt Walls. The event will start at 10 a.m.

Next, the department will hold the Night of Blue Lights. A meet and greet with local law enforcement will take place at the At Home parking lot at 2063 Watson Boulevard from 6 – 8 p.m.

Friday, the department will hold the Fallen Officers Candlelight Vigil, where they will take the time to honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The keynote speaker is set as State Rep. Shaw Blackmon.

The vigil will take place at Southside Baptist Church at 1040 S. Houston Lake Road. The event will start promptly at 6 p.m.

Finally, the department will hold the 2023 Firearms Challenge at the Houston County Sheriff’s Office’s firearms training facility. The competition will be open to the public and will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 20.

Overall, the department is hopeful the community will come out and enjoy the camaraderie and join law enforcement in support of one another, in an effort to appreciate those who work behind the scenes in keeping the community safer.

“It’s to honor and show law enforcement officers that they are appreciated, that what they’re doing means something to people,” Martin said.

Martin is hopeful the public can have positive interactions with police in their city through events like these.

“It also gives the community the opportunity to interact with law enforcement in a positive atmosphere and lets the community see that we are human; we are people, too,” Martin said. “We’d like to have just as much fun as anybody else. To be a part of that would be educational and eye-opening to people, to be able to say ‘we have interacted with police officers and they’re a cool group of people.’”

Martin added that spreading positivity is the goal though the police department’s outreach.

“Ideally, if we can spread positivity to as many people as we can, that’s the main goal. To let people know that we are there for them and if ever they need anything, don’t hesitate to call,” Martin said. “We are here, like the slogan says, to protect and serve. We just want people to know that we take that wholeheartedly and very seriously.”

HHJ News