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May 11th - 17th National Police Week

William J. Worden, MPA
Posted 5/16/22

To the editor: “May we never forget the courage and sacrifice of our fallen” During National Police Week, we honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers killed in the line …

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May 11th - 17th National Police Week

Posted

To the editor:
“May we never forget the courage and sacrifice of our fallen”
During National Police Week, we honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty while serving our communities and safeguarding our democracy. Whether holding the title of police officer, trooper, deputy, corrections officer, special agent, court, probation, or parole officer, serving in law enforcement is a highly stressful and dangerous profession. Deemed the deadliest year for law enforcement in United States history, 621 law enforcement officers gave the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duty in 2021. Additionally, each year, an average of 50,355 officers are assaulted in the line of duty with over 14,000 officers sustaining injuries.
To commemorate the sacrifice and pay tribute to law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, the names of over 22,000 heroic souls are enshrined on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. including Officer John Mackechnie of the Port Jervis Police Department.
We salute the men and women who have accepted the calling to this profession who perform the difficult, dangerous, and often thankless work of protecting our communities. Our Nation's law enforcement officers embody the very ideal of citizenship, courage, honor and integrity.
During Peace Officers Memorial Day, held annually on May 15th during Police Week, we celebrate those who protect and serve and pay tribute to the courageous officers who devoted themselves to others and made the ultimate sacrifice in the fulfillment of their duties.
As we mourn our fallen heroes, let us never forget how they lived their lives, as mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, committed family members, community members, volunteers, and guardians. To the families of our fallen, we owe our appreciation and unpayable debt. To the men and women who continue to serve and carry their mission forward, we owe our unwavering support and gratitude.
As society recovers from a deadly pandemic, communities experience increased crime and violence, and our law enforcement officers face unprecedented risk and challenges, we must support those serving in law enforcement and ensure they are provided with the training, equipment, and resources necessary to fulfill their mission safely and successfully.
We must never diminish our gratitude for the men and women who perform the often thankless, demanding, stressful and dangerous work required of them and extend our gratitude not only in times of tragedy, but for the tragedy they prevent through the daily performance of their duties. Our sincere gratitude goes out to the men and women of the Port Jervis City Police Department and all law enforcement officers, active and retired, their families, and all those heroic officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice to serve and protect others.
May God Bless our peace makers. Please lower your flag to half-staff on Peace Officer Memorial Day on Sunday, May 15th to show your support for law enforcement and to honor those brave officers who have paid the ultimate price protecting our communities.
Thank you for your continued support.

William J. Worden, MPA
Chief of Police
Port Jervis Police Department

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