Livingston Honors Fallen Officers During National Police Week: How Our Community Can Participate

May 10, 2025 | Livingston, Montana

Livingston will observe National Police Week throughout May to honor local officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and celebrate those who continue to serve our community today. During the City Commission meeting on May 8, commissioners officially proclaimed May 2025 as National Police Week in Livingston, creating an opportunity for residents to recognize the dedication of our local law enforcement.

Remembering Livingston's Fallen Heroes

The proclamation specifically honored three Livingston Police Department officers who lost their lives in the line of duty:

• Officer Charles Wilson

• Chief Peter Holt

• Officer Martin Zalman

"These officers gave everything to protect our community," said Commission Chair Quentin Schwartz during the meeting. "National Police Week gives us all a chance to remember their sacrifice and show appreciation for our current force of 16 sworn officers who put their lives on the line every day."

Commissioner Gaiger noted the positive feedback the department has received from the community, particularly highlighting the leadership of Chief Wayne Hard during challenging times.

Why National Police Week Matters to Livingston

For a small community like Livingston, with a population just over 8,000, the loss of even one officer creates a profound impact. National Police Week provides an important opportunity to:

• Heal as a community by collectively honoring those who died protecting our streets

• Build stronger relationships between residents and current officers

• Educate younger generations about the importance of public service

• Demonstrate Livingston's values of respect, gratitude, and community support

How Livingston Residents Can Participate

There are numerous meaningful ways to observe National Police Week in Livingston:

Attend Memorial Events

• Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony: Sunday, May 11 at 1 p.m. at Sacajawea Park's Veterans Memorial

• Blue Light Vigil: Thursday, May 15 at 8 p.m. at the Livingston Police Department

Show Your Support

• Display blue ribbons on mailboxes, doors, or trees

• Place a blue light bulb in your porch light during the week

• Fly flags at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15)

• Write thank-you notes to the Livingston Police Department

• Bring coffee, snacks, or lunch to officers during their shifts

Community Activities

• Children's Art Contest: Kids can submit drawings of police officers to be displayed at the police department

• Coffee with a Cop: Join officers at Chadz Coffeehouse on May 13 from 9-11 a.m.

• LPD Open House: Tour the police department on May 14 from 3-6 p.m.

• Charity 5K Run/Walk: Participate in the "Back the Blue 5K" on May 17 at 9 a.m. starting at Miles Park, with proceeds benefiting the families of fallen officers

Business Participation

• Local businesses can offer discounts to law enforcement officers

• Restaurants can reserve a "fallen officer table" during the week

• Display blue lights or "We Support Our Police" signs in storefronts

Why Honoring Law Enforcement Should Be Year-Round in Livingston

While National Police Week provides a formal opportunity to recognize our officers, the Livingston community benefits from nurturing police-community relationships throughout the year. Here's why continuous support matters:

Building Trust and Safety

When citizens and police know and trust each other, everyone feels safer. Regular positive interactions outside of emergency situations help break down barriers and create mutual understanding. In a small community like Livingston, these relationships are the foundation of effective public safety.

Supporting Officer Well-being

Law enforcement faces unique stresses and challenges daily. Consistent community appreciation helps combat the emotional toll of the job, potentially reducing burnout and improving mental health among officers. For Livingston's 16 sworn officers who serve our population of 8,000, knowing the community stands behind them provides crucial emotional support.

Creating a Model for Youth

When children witness adults in their community respecting and appreciating police officers, they develop positive attitudes toward law enforcement. This helps create the next generation of law-abiding citizens and potential future officers who understand public service.

Strengthening Our Small-Town Identity

Livingston's character is defined by how we treat each other. Regular recognition of those who serve our community reinforces our values of neighborliness, gratitude, and mutual support that make our town special.

"When communities and police work together, everyone benefits," said Chief Hard when reached for comment after the meeting. "We're deeply grateful for Livingston's support and look forward to connecting with residents during National Police Week events, but also throughout the year."

Ongoing Opportunities for Engagement

The Livingston Police Department encourages residents to maintain connections beyond National Police Week through:

• Volunteer opportunities with the department's community programs

• Participation in the citizens' police academy (held each fall)

• Attending monthly community safety forums

• Following and engaging with LPD social media for updates and safety information

• Joining neighborhood watch programs that collaborate with officers

• Simply saying "thank you" when encountering officers in daily life

As Commissioner Gager noted during the meeting, the positive feedback from community members makes a significant difference to officer morale and effectiveness. These small gestures, multiplied across our community, create a culture of mutual respect that serves Livingston throughout the year.

For a complete schedule of National Police Week events, visit the City of Livingston website or call the Livingston Police Department at (406) 555-4000.