Methuen police officers are wearing special, memorial badges this week in honor of National Police Week.
The new badges are the first of their kind, created by Blackinton, of Attleboro Falls, said Mayor Stephen N. Zanni and Chief Joseph E. Solomon in a statement. Officers will continue wearing the badges as part of their uniforms for the month of May.
“These badges symbolize the sacrifices that law enforcement officers make each and every day to keep their communities safe,” Zanni said. “Thank you to the Methuen Police Department for all you do, and for continuously finding new ways to show your support for causes that are important to you and the city.”
A committee of police officers began working on the custom design with Blackinton back in February. Members also coordinated with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund on trademark licensing for the badge, which features the organization’s logo.
“We are proud to have played such an active role in the process of creating these unique badges, and are honored to wear them in support of National Police Week,” Solomon said.
The badges debuted at the annual Police Officer Memorial Ceremony May 15. Friends and family of fallen Methuen Police officers gathered at the ceremony to honor and remember their loved ones as well as all law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.