Granville County Commissioners recently issued a proclamation designating May 15, 2021 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. The observance, which falls during National Police Week each year, recognizes the vital role of law enforcement officers and remembers those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
The proclamation was issued on May 11 at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center, with representatives of the Granville County Sheriff’s Office, the Oxford Police Department, the Creedmoor Police Department, the Stovall Police Department and the Stem Police Department in attendance. Officers of Butner Public Safety were honored at a later date.
The proclamation reads as follows:
Proclamation Designating May 15, 2021 as Peace Officers Memorial Day
WHEREAS, in 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. This date falls within National Police Week, May 9-15, 2021, and recognizes our law enforcement officers and remembers those Peace Officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, the Granville County Board of Commissioners supports and recognizes the vital role law enforcement officers have within our communities and county. These servants and their families make enormous personal sacrifices but have answered their community’s call to serve; and
WHEREAS, those who pursue such a profession understand that it comes with inherit danger and at any given time they may have to place themselves in harm’s way to secure the well-being of others…. often strangers. This year alone over 119 law enforcement officers across our nation have died in the line of duty; and
WHEREAS, most recently, two Sheriff’s Deputies from Watauga County lost their lives while conducting a health and welfare check. Upon entry into a home, they were met by gunfire and were both fatally wounded. The loss of any innocent life is one too many and the loss of a law enforcement officer should cause all citizens to be sickened. They are our protectors and represent what is good within society. They go to a destination, knowing there is danger, but they go on our behalf and for this they are extraordinary servants…. for many of us would never tread where they must go; and
WHEREAS, being a law enforcement officer is a noble and honorable profession. It is a profession which many cannot do or will never attempt due to the rigors of the profession. Law enforcement officers must be highly trained and appropriately resourced to meet the challenges of today. This board has already taken a significant step on behalf of the citizens of Granville County by commissioning a new law enforcement center and will continue to appropriately resource the Sheriff’s Office to meet the growing needs of our county; and
WHEREAS, as we state our support for our law enforcement officers, they know, and it is expected they daily build relationships and trust with the residents they serve, they must do so with honor and integrity. Daily protecting the innocent, aiding those in need with dignity and compassion, and performing their duties in a fair and impartial manner. They must perform their duties in keeping with the highest law enforcement standards and remain faithful to their solemn oath;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Granville County Board of Commissioners remember and honor those Peace Officers who have fallen in the line of duty and recognize our support for our Granville County Sheriff’s Office and Deputies, Municipality Police Departments and Officers, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and Troopers and our other state and federal partners.
This the 11th day of May 2021.
