Police Week takes place each year during the second week of May, centered around May 13 and May 15 at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC.
This is where we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. If you’ve never attended, make the trip. It matters.
POAM’s involvement in Police Week goes back decades and is rooted in something simple but important—taking care of our own. Following the line-of-duty deaths of Christopher Wouters (10/11/2000) and Richard “Dickie” Vauris (02/19/2001), it became clear that officers, families, and Honor Guards traveling to Washington needed more than just a place to attend ceremonies—they needed a place to gather, support one another, and process the weight of why they were there.
What began as a small effort to bring a handful of people together has grown into a longstanding tradition during Police Week, centered on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and the events surrounding it.
POAM at the Tune Inn
POAM hosts an annual gathering at the Tune Inn Restaurant on Pennsylvania Avenue.
This started as a way to give officers and families a place to gather. Today, it brings together hundreds of people each year. If you’re in town, stop by to hydrate and share some stories with your fellow brothers and sisters.
The Metro Detroit Police-Fire Pipe and Drum Corps leads a march that has become a defining moment of the evening.
Date: Thursday, May 14
Location: Tune Inn, Washington, D.C.
Attendance: Open — no RSVP required
For POAM, this week is not just about remembrance—it’s about standing shoulder to shoulder with those who understand the job, honoring the fallen, and making sure no one carries that burden alone.
Officer of the Year Recognition
On May 20–21, POAM will honor 13 members who demonstrated outstanding service over the past year. This event reflects the strength of our membership and the work being done across Michigan, but it also serves a larger purpose—bringing together hundreds of law enforcement professionals from across the state and beyond to recognize what it truly means to serve.
This year carries added significance. As our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, we also approach the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks—a moment that reshaped our country and reinforced the role of those who stand on the front lines protecting it every day. Together, these milestones create a powerful opportunity to reflect on what it means to be an American and to serve in defense of our communities.
Special Keynote Speakers
On Wednesday, May 20 at 1:00 p.m., we welcome two speakers who represent service under the most extreme conditions:
- Tim Brown, a firefighter with the New York City Fire Department and survivor of Tower 7
- Rob O’Neill, a member of SEAL Team Six involved in the mission that brought Osama bin Laden to justice
They will speak to the realities of their missions—protecting the public, performing under intense stress and danger, and the long-term impact that service has on those who answer the call. Just as important, they will address how to manage and cope with those pressures in today’s environment.
Event Highlights
This is more than a ceremony—it’s a full experience built around connection, recognition, and support:
- Wednesday Evening: Annual Poker Run—one of our most popular and well-attended traditions
- Thursday: Officer of the Year recognition, followed by a dinner event featuring one of Michigan’s top live bands, Brena, along with drinks and time to reconnect with colleagues and friends
- Friday: Golf outing for those who want to continue the conversation in a more relaxed setting
Each part of our Annual Convention is built around one core principle—brotherhood and sisterhood. Our staff prepares all year to make this special for everyone.
At POAM, that bond is not just a phrase. It’s how we support one another, how we carry the weight of the job, and how we stand together through every challenge that comes with it. This event is an opportunity to come together, recognize excellence, share experiences, and reinforce the connections that matter most.
We welcome every member to attend and be part of it.