Law enforcement across the Hudson Valley is kicking off National Police Week.

The week pays homage to those who have dedicated their lives to protecting the public.

More than 24,000 U.S. law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty since the first law enforcement death in 1786, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The week-long celebration coincides with National Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, which was signed into law by President John F. Kennedy in 1962.

The Yonkers Police Department had a special ceremony outside of City Hall on Monday.

"It's an opportunity for us to thank the men and women who go out there every single day to serve and protect, putting their lives at risk for each and every one of us. It's something we should never take for granted," said Mayor Mike Spano .

Mayor Mike Spano praised the department for making Yonkers one of the safest cities of its size in America.

The Yonkers Police Department has planned events all week long to reconnect with the community.

Tuesday, May 14

Open House, George Rutledge Yonkers Police Museum, showcasing the history of the Yonkers Police Department since 1871

Child Safety Seat Installations & Safety Checks Community Affairs Division, PAL 127 No. Broadway (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

Mobile Command Center, Community Affairs Outreach Cross County Shopping Center (9 a.m. – 1 p.m and 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.)

Open House – George Rutledge Yonkers Police Museum Police Headquarters – 104 South Broadway, Lobby (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)       

Wednesday, May 15

Open House – 3rd Precinct, 435 Riverdale Ave. (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) Mobile Command Center | Community Affairs Outreach, Lincoln Park (4 p.m. – 9 p.m.)

Thursday, May 16

Yonkers Police Awards Ceremony & Memorial Service, Dinner: 4:30 p.m., Ceremony 5:30 p.m. Mobile Command Center, Community Affairs Outreach Getty Square (9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.)

Open House – 4th Precinct Annex at Newell Hall Getty Square / Waterfront Detail,1 Hudson St. (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.)

Yonkers Police Awards Ceremony & Memorial Service Untermyer Park and Gardens, 945 North Broadway (Dinner: 4:30 p.m. Ceremony: 5:30 p.m.)

Saturday, May 18

YPD, PAL Community Kids Closet Open House 127 North Broadway (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

Sunday, May 19

Yonkers Police Holy Name Society Communion Mass and Breakfast Sacred Heart Church 110 Shonnard Place (9:45 a.m.)