In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. He established this as an opportunity for law enforcement to honor their brethren who lost their lives in the line of duty and work towards reducing the number of those that have fallen.

Already this year, there have been 42 law enforcement officer line of duty deaths. Those officers should be honored and remembered for making the ultimate sacrifice to protect citizens of our great country.

National Police Week recognizes that law enforcement plays an essential role in safe guarding the rights and freedoms of citizens while understanding their duties, responsibilities, hazards, sacrifices, and duty to serve and safeguard life and property against violence and disorder.

I would like to honor all of our law enforcement partners of St. Lawrence County and around the country. In the year 2020 law enforcement continues to serve a vital role, but in an even more stressful environment due to the current pandemic sweeping our nation and the world. While so many are being told to stay at home during the outbreak, Police Officers have a responsibility to continue operations working at many times behind the scenes without the general public realizing how essential they are to keeping society functioning.

Thank you to all Police Officers and I would especially like to recognize the Deputy Sheriffs of St. Lawrence County for their ongoing leadership and commitment to our common good and safety of the citizens of our County has been remarkable.

The very fact that these Officers are unable to work remotely, risking their personal health and safety to protect the health and safety of our community deserves and demands our recognition and, more importantly, support.

St. Lawrence County Sheriff Brooks Bigwarfe