Cayce, SC (Paul Kirby) – The Cayce Department of Public Safety has taken to social media to remind us that this week we all should take a moment to honor the ones who protect us. We should always remember that even when we sleep, are observing holidays, or just following our daily routine, law enforcement officers are out patrolling our streets to keep us all safe.
Monday afternoon The Cayce Department of Public Safety gave us a short but important history lesson. According to their Facebook page, in 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day. He also designated the week of the May 15th as National Police Week.
According to Cayce’s DPS, typically there would be tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world gathering in Washington, D.C this week. All those officers would honor their brothers and sisters that have paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives during the prior year. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these events have been cancelled.
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP) at www.odmp.org, there were 146 line of duty deaths across America in 2019. One was right here in South Carolina. Being killed is a risk that officers take daily, but one that we should not accept! These hardworking men and women across the U.S. are tasked with enforcing the law of the land. Whether they personally agree with a law or not, each takes an oath and swears they will uphold ALL laws made by governments across the country.
This year let us all remember those that have fallen, and all who still serve or have served. Take a few minutes to remember and pray for the families of all the officers that paid with their lives. If you see an officer working or know one who is retired or on the job, just take a minute to say thanks. A little respect and a wave of a hand, or just saying we appreciate your service will go a long way!
