5/12-18: National Law Enforcement Week

National Law Enforcement Week is observed from May 12 to May 18, 2024, and it is a time to honor, remember, and support our brave police officers who dedicate their lives to protect our communities. I express my heartfelt gratitude to these courageous men and women who serve with professionalism, dedication, valor, and sacrifice. I also extend my appreciation to their families for their sacrifice.

Our law enforcement community is one of our greatest assets and they work tirelessly with integrity and honor to make a positive difference. They risk their lives every day to keep us safe and secure.

AS community leaders, they serve on and off duty, coaching life skills and character through sports and building lasting positive relationships with students as school resource officers. In addition, police officers volunteer in our schools, churches, fire and rescue departments, and non-profit organizations. They collaborate with our business communities to strengthen economic wellness and growth.
For those who swear an oath, police work is not just a job; it’s a calling, a resolve to serve and protect. These courageous officers are devoted to upholding our freedoms and Constitutional rights, even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice. Sadly, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page, there were 137 line-of-duty deaths in the country in 2023, and so far, this year, 56 officers have been killed in the line of duty.

As we honor all who serve and have served, let us never forget to pay tribute and remember our fallen officers and their families. In Montgomery County, we remember Christiansburg Police Officer Terry Griffith, Christiansburg Police Officer Scott Hylton, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Eric Sutphin, and Virginia Tech Police Officer Deriek Crouse for their ultimate sacrifice.

I encourage everyone to reflect on our freedoms and to remember and honor our law enforcement officers.

Sherri Blevins
Christiansburg, Virginia