The Winchester Police Department celebrated their 200th anniversary yesterday.

A luncheon kicked off the celebration which will continue throughout the year.

WPD has a few other projects and events lined up, including a car show in May.

The Mayor and Manager of Winchester and Chief John Piper spoke on the department’s historical accomplishments and honored fallen officers.

The department which began in 1822 has seen many changes including their first patrol vehicle in the 1910s, two way radios in 1940, the first female and black officers in the 1970s, and the formation of a SWAT team in 1983.