TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Interior said Friday that a National Police Holiday will be established on June 15. 

Police officers and employees of police colleges and agencies across Taiwan will receive a paid holiday in accordance with the Ordinance on Implementing Memorial Days and Holidays, which was promulgated on May 28.

This year, National Police Day will fall on a Sunday. The National Police Agency sent a notice to police precincts across Taiwan clarifying that personnel who are already scheduled to work on June 15 will be able to take a day off on Monday, June 16 or may arrange a paid day off with their local precinct. 

In the years ahead, the National Police Agency will only schedule the essential minimum number of officers needed to work on National Police Day. Some police officers are reportedly lobbying for double-pay for those scheduled to work on the holiday, per UDN.  

It is hoped the new holiday will boost police morale and serve as a yearly reminder of the nation’s respect for its law enforcement officers. 

On Friday, it was also announced that the ministry will establish a similar holiday honoring Taiwan’s firefighters. The annual National Firefighter Day will be celebrated every year on Jan. 19, reported UDN.