The V.I. Police Department kicks off national Police Week Saturday with the Second Annual Law Ride and Fun Day, bringing motorcycle enthusiasts together to ride with police officers; open houses, basketball games, and more somber commemorative activities will take place throughout the week.
“I invite all residents of the Virgin Islands to join with us in these Police Week activities and show your support of your police department. We are a part of this community and are working toward a better relationship with you,” V.I. Police Commissioner Henry White said in a statement.
White encouraged civilian and sworn members of the Virgin Islands Police Department, as well as the community, to participate in the activities planned for this week. "There will be open houses at all police stations, school demonstrations, a parade, candle light vigils and a motorcycle motorcade,” he said.
The ride begins at the Patrick Sweeney Headquarters at 10 a.m. Saturday, running to the Frederiksted pier and back to Sweeney Headquarters for the Fun Day. The Fun Day features K9 police dog demonstrations, free health screenings, and activities for children. Food and drinks will be on sale. Registration is still open for motorcyclists to join in on the ride and the public is invited to the fun day.
White is also urging residents to visit the VIPD Facebook page and “click like” in support of the police department. You can access the VIPD Face Book page at www.facebook.com/usvipd.
Sunday on St. Thomas, the public is invited to worship with the VIPD at 9 a.m. in the Love of Christ Church inside the Frostco Building by Cancryn School. Monday and Tuesday, all St. Thomas police commands will host open houses. The public is invited to come by and interact with the police officers. Officers will also give demonstrations at several schools including Sibilly, Lockhart, Gomez, and Benjamin Elementary.
Monday on St. Croix, the Marine Base on Hospital Street in Christiansted will host an open house from noon to 4 p.m., and later that night at 6 p.m., officers will play civilians at a basketball game at the St. Croix Central High School.
Tuesday, to commemorate National Police Officers Memorial Day there will be a ceremony held at the Damidaux Pavilion at the Patrick Sweeney Headquarters on St. Croix beginning at 9 a.m. Later that same day at 6 p.m., there will be a candlelight vigil at the Ann E. Abramson Pier in Frederiksted.
Wednesday features an open house at the Wilbur Francis Command in Frederiksted from noon to 4 p.m. Later at 6:30 p.m., there will be a softball game between police and civilians at the Renholdt Jackson Sports Complex at Whim.
Thursday Ancilmo Marshall Command in Christiansted will hold an open house from noon to 4 p.m. followed by a softball game between police and civilians at the Pedro Cruz Sports Center in Estate Profit.
Police Week culminates with a VIPD parade to honor fallen officers on May 20. The parade takes place on St. Thomas and begins at 10 a.m. on Veterans Drive near the Addelita Cancryn School. The parade ends at the Richard Callwood Command near the Fort Christian parking lot where a wreath will be placed in the sea in tribute to fallen officers.
