CITY OF RENO POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS RELEASE – On Monday, Reno’s famous landmark, the Reno Arch will turn blue in honor of fallen police officers. A generous donation from local businessman Eddie Lorton, and funding provided by the Reno Police Department, made it possible for the Reno Arch to turn blue. The donation and funding covered the labor, equipment, and costs for the blue bulbs. The Reno Arch will remain blue through the month of May, until Monday, June 3.
National Police Week is May 12 through May 18, and is observed throughout the nation in order to recognize the hazardous work, serious responsibilities, and strong commitment to our nation’s peace officers. Project Blue Light began in 1988 when the mother-in-law of a Philadelphia Police Officer put blue lights in her window during the holiday season to honor her deceased son-in-law.
Local recognition events include the Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony and the James D. Hoff Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony. The annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony will be held at noon on May 2, at the Nevada State Capitol. The ceremony will honor the 123 peace officers who have been killed in the line of duty since 1861. The James D. Hoff Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony will be held on May 3, at 10:00 a.m. at the memorial site in Reno’s Idlewild Park. The Hoff Memorial was the first statewide memorial recognizing officers who have died in the line of duty in Nevada.
