In the early 60's, then President John Kennedy, signed into law, legislation declaring the week of May 15th each year to be proclaimed National Police Week, and the 15th of that weeks as Police Memorial Day. Throughout this nation during this week there will be celebrations and observances by many law enforcement agencies at the City, County, State, and Federal levels. On the 15th of May, many will hold a Police Memorial Day service honoring those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice during the past year, and years prior.

Having worn a law enforcement badge or shield for what will next month be 43 years, I have had both the honor and pleasure of serving as a Military Policeman for four years, a City Patrolman for six years, and a member of the Sheriff's Department for 33 years, including since 1985 as your Sheriff. I have worked for, and with, a lot of officers over the years, most of whom were really dedicated to their duties of serving and protecting the people. It's been educational and exciting to work alongside City, County, State and Federal officers over the years. I've met some bad apples along the way, but you have that in every profession, and one or two shouldn't spoil the whole barrel.

For the most part, the officers I've worked alongside would put their life on the line in a second, if it meant protecting some citizen or someone's property. They do that on a day by day basis, but you only hear about it when one dies while performing their duties. These officers, male and female, go where nobody else wants to go, they put up with more than anybody would tolerate, and they are expected to make a minute's decision that may take a jury days to decide if they made the right choice.

These officers are just human like you, they have a job to perform and they do it to the best of their ability. They are dads, moms, sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, and cousins of regular people. They could be your next door neighbor, sit next to you in church, or across from you at the ball park. But this week we honor them not for who they are, but for what they do. Law enforcement officers don't go looking for recognition or even thanks for doing their job, but it's nice when it happens, so if you have the time this week, let an officer know you appreciate them and their service to the community.