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Honoring our officers during National Police Week

More than six decades ago, on Oct. 1, 1962, President Kennedy by joint resolution proclaimed the second week of May as National Police Week to honor the men and women who answer the call to risk their lives every day to serve and protect the public in the line of duty. Everyday these brave hero’s put on their uniform and badge to put their own lives at risk to keep our communities safe so that all Americans can go about their daily lives in peace.

National Police Week is an annual event dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers across the United States. This weeklong observance, which occurs every year the week of May 15 is an opportunity for law enforcement, survivors, families of fallen officers, and community members to come together to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to show their appreciation for the men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe.

The names of 282 officers killed in the line of duty nationwide are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. These 282 officers include 58 line of duty deaths this year, 138 officers who were killed during 2023, 2,710 line of duty deaths the last 10 years, and 26,618 line of duty deaths for all time according to the Officer Down Memorial Page (www.odmp.org) that is updated daily. The formal dedication was held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Monday, May 13.

I’ve had the opportunity to visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial several years ago to view Marshall County Jailer Harry Davis’s name inscribed on the memorial. Jailer Davis was shot and killed on Sept. 9, 1978, at the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. An inspiring quote on the memorial reads “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.”

With so many other important professions in society, why did our country establish a week to recognize and honor our law enforcement officers? Maybe it was because of the oath of office they take, an oath of loyalty, courage, truth and trust, always mindful of the moral and ethical values that society holds law enforcement to. Maybe it is because once officers take that oath, they are also taking an oath to lead their lives in the most ethical manner, both on and off duty. Maybe it is because a law enforcement officer must be someone that the public can trust and rely on.

We recognize our law enforcement officers because they are expected to put their lives in danger to protect others. We honor officers because in the face of danger when others run away, they run towards it.

I am grateful to work alongside great officers and first responders (past and present) through successes and hardships. The nature of crimes is becoming more complex and at times the brutality can shock even the most seasoned police officers, yet they continue with an unfailing commitment and compassion to serve. We have seen this way too often, especially with recent events.

There are so many reasons to honor those in law enforcement who serve and sacrifice every day; however, as a society we should never forget or lessen their accountability. As a community, we should never accept anything less than the best from our officers.

On behalf of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, we thank the many men and women across the nation who have served and are continuing to serve today, and we also thank those in our community for their tremendous support. A community is defined not only by the actions of those expected to serve, but even more so by the actions of those who serve when they see a need.

As we recognize the heroes among us this week, we are grateful for the many community partnerships we share that make Marshall County a great place to live, work and raise a family.

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Joel Phillips is the Sheriff of Marshall County.

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