SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING MAY 10 THROUGH MAY 16, 2026, AS "NATIONAL POLICE WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, IN REMEMBRANCE OF ALL POLICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE LINE OF DUTY

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

Designates May 10–16, 2026 as National Police Week in Rhode Island to honor officers who died in the line of duty.

05/12/2026 Senate read and passed

Purpose and intent

SR 3278 designates a specific observance period in Rhode Island: May 10 through May 16, 2026, as “National Police Week” in remembrance of police and law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.

The resolution aligns Rhode Island with the national tradition initiated by Presidents Kennedy and Clinton, which recognizes and honors law enforcement officers’s sacrifices.

Key provisions

Declares May 10–16, 2026, as National Police Week within the State of Rhode Island.

Acknowledges national statistics and context about law enforcement fatalities and assaults to emphasize the dangers faced by officers:

National context: National Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15; National Police Week surrounding that date.
2025: 111 police officers died in the line of duty in the United States.
2025: 347 officers shot (per the Fraternal Order of Police).
2024: an estimated 85,700 officers were assaulted while on duty.
FBI and ODMP context cited to highlight ongoing risks and historical fatalities (ODMP notes 27,000+ line-of-duty deaths since 1791; 54 from Rhode Island).

Directs communications to promote awareness and remembrance but does not impose regulatory requirements or funding.

Affected parties

Police and law enforcement officers in the state (recognition and commemoration), and affiliated organizations.

The Secretary of State (authorized to take action to disseminate the memorial resolution).

External organizations listed for acknowledgment:

International Brotherhood of Police Officers (Patrick Yoes, National President)
Fraternal Order of Police
Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association
Rhode Island Troopers Association

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill is a Senate Resolution (non-binding).

Introduced May 12, 2026, by Senator David P. Tikoian.

Referred to “Recommended for Immediate Consideration,” indicating a fast-tracked path through the Senate.

If enacted, the resolution would authorize the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies of the resolution to the named organizations, effectively formalizing recognition and awareness.

Potential impact

Raises public awareness in Rhode Island about National Police Week and the sacrifices of law enforcement officers.

Supports outreach to police organizations and the broader community without creating new mandates, funding, or regulatory changes.

Serves as a formal ceremonial gesture that aligns state observances with national commemorations.

Note: This summary focuses on the substantive content and intended ceremonial impact; the bill does not modify statutes or allocate resources.

Bill