In observance of National Police Week, which is observed this year from May 11th through May 17th, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Polk County Lodge #46 and the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial Fund (PCLEMF), Inc., will present the 21st Annual Polk County Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Thursday, May 8, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., at the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial in Lakeland Bicentennial Park. The park is located on Lime Street, between Lake Beulah Drive and the Lakeland Center.

Family members of fallen officers, representatives from various public service organizations, and local government agencies will be attending. Members of the public and media are welcome to attend.

Highlights of the service will include the presentation of colors by a joint Honor Guard from the Lakeland Police Department, the Winter Haven Police Department, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office; the Roll Call of Heroes; a 21‐gun salute; a fly over by the PCSO, LPD, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission aviation units; PCSO and Tampa Police Department bagpipe players; and the presentation of the fallen rider by the PCSO Mounted Unit.

Speakers will include: David Waller, FOP Polk County Lodge #46; Captain M. L. Lawton, PCLEMF,  Inc., Chairman of the Board; and Major H. Marvin Pittman, retired, Chief Chaplain for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Chaplain John Ingrassia, retired from the Lakeland Police Department, will lead the benediction.

For more information, please call PCSO Captain M. L. Lawton, PCLEMF, Inc., Chairman, at 863‐535‐1951.