Coos Bay proclaims Law Enforcement Appreciation Day; council discusses future proclamations process

The Coos Bay City Council on Jan. 9 approved a proclamation designating Jan. 9, 2025 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and discussed how the city will manage proclamations in 2025.

Nicole, a city staff member, introduced the proclamation, describing it as a national observance honoring the role of law enforcement in protecting public safety and fostering community relations. Mayor Joe Binetti read the proclamation language and formally proclaimed the date: “I, Joe Binetti, the mayor of the city of Coos Bay, do hereby proclaim 01/09/2025 as law enforcement appreciation day,” he said on the record.

Councilor Troy moved to adopt the proclamation; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. No council member recorded a formal roll-call vote in the transcript.

The council then reviewed a proposed list of proclamations for 2025. City staff said the goal was to capture observances that recognize department work and community groups while balancing staff workload. Councilors discussed the need for an inclusive list that represents the city’s diversity and suggested outreach steps for community members who wish to propose proclamations. A councilor urged the staff to engage the two tribes in the region about board representation on regional entities discussed earlier in the meeting.

Why it matters: Proclamations are ceremonial but signal priorities and community recognition. Council members expressed support for using proclamations as both acknowledgement and as opportunities for public education, while asking staff to manage the calendar to avoid overburdening workflows.

What happens next: Staff said they will refine the proclamations calendar, consider timing and outreach, and include guidance in the city’s regular Friday update about how community members can request a proclamation.