07-05-2025
Champaign Police invites community to attend Police Week events
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign Police Department is encouraging community members to participate in events during the 2025 Police Week.
This year's National Police Week is taking place from May 12-18. The events will honor fallen officers, highlight employee accomplishments and teach the community about the law enforcement through the return of the biennial Champaign Police Department Open House.
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'Police Week allows all of us the chance to pause and reflect on the work we do and the incredible teammates who do it,' Police Chief Timothy Tyler said. 'As part of this week of ceremony and celebration, we are excited to give a behind-the-scenes look at your Champaign Police Department, featuring tours, exhibits, and demonstrations for everyone to enjoy.'
The Champaign Police Memorial Ceremony will be held on May 13 at 9 a.m. at West Side Park and will honor law enforcement officers from around the world who have died in the line of duty. This ceremony will pay special tribute to Champaign Police Officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the Champaign community.
The three fallen officers being honored by the Champaign Police Department are Thomas Dodsworth (end of watch July 6, 1913), Robert Tatman (end of watch Nov. 25, 1967) and Christopher Oberheim (end of watch May 19, 2021).
The Champaign Police Employee Awards Ceremony will take place on May 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Champaign Police Department at 82 E. University Avenue. This will honor the exceptional efforts of officers and professional staff members during the last year.
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Awards at this event will include the announcement of Employee of the Year and Officer of the Year, along with recognizing officers who went above the call of duty in specific actions.
The biennial Champaign Police Open House will be held on May 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place at the department's facility at 82 E. University Avenue and brings the community inside for a closer look at the police department's operations.
It will feature a fun, family-friendly atmosphere to learn about Champaign Police and their community safety mission. The Open House will include features such as touch-a-truck with multiple CPD vehicles, demonstrations from specialized units including the Crisis Negotiation Unit, Crime Scene Unit and SWAT team, access to historical displays, and tours of the Champaign Police Department.
National Police Week has been held since 1962 in the week that includes Peace Officers Memorial Day, which takes place on May 15. All of these events are open to the public and the Champaign Police Department is welcoming the entire community to attend.
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