This week is National Police Week and is a time when communities throughout the country gather to honor law enforcement who’ve sacrificed their lives for others and those who’ve died while serving.
Local agencies will host commemorative services this week.
The annual “Respect for Law” breakfast is 7 a.m. Tuesday at Holiday Inn of Salisbury, 530 S. Jake Alexander Blvd. The keynote speaker is Kieran Shanahan, secretary of the N.C. Department of Public Safety.
Newly appointed by Gov. Pat McCrory, Shanahan is a former federal prosecutor.
There will be a time to recognize and honor each Rowan County police agency’s 2013 officer of the year. Organizers will also name the winner of this year’s Paul G. Wilson award, an honor given to an officer that embodies the spirit of the late Paul Wilson, who began the breakfast through the Optimist Club.
On Wednesday, the public is invited to attend the annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service. The service will be held at noon at First Presbyterian Church, 308 W. Fisher St., corner of West Innes and Fulton streets. 
During the service, the community honors those in law enforcement who’ve been killed in the line of duty in the past year. There will also be a time of remembrance for those who’ve passed away during the year.
The service will include honor guards from the Salisbury Police Department and the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office. There will be a special music selections and a scripture lesson offered during the service. After the service, the honor guard will offer a 21-gun salute in the church’s courtyard followed by the playing of Taps.
A luncheon will be held following the ceremony.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253. Twitter: www.twitter.com/salpostpotts Facebook: www.facebook.com/Shavonne.SalisburyPost.