Members of the Wilmington Police Department march down Third Street in honor of Peace Officers’ Memorial Day in 2013. StarNews file photo

Q. Is the city or county planning on celebrating Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Jan. 9? If not, is there a reason why?

A. The Wilmington Police Department has no official plans, said spokeswoman Linda Rawley, who added she wasn’t aware there was such a day.

The department does commemorate Peace Officers Memorial Day in May, Rawley said. The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office also participates in the May memorial day, said Sgt. Jerry Brewer, a spokesman.

The January event appears to have been created this year by a group called Concerns of Police Survivors Inc. and others in response to recent events involving police officers around the country.

UPDATE: On Jan. 9, Gov. Pat McCrory proclaimed the day to be National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in North Carolina.

“Regardless of the dangers, thousands of uniformed officers across our state put on a badge and go to work to protect the people of this great state,” McCrory said in a news release. “Law enforcement agencies are essential in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the citizens of our state. I encourage everyone to take time to thank law enforcement officials and recognize the sacrifices they make daily for our safety.”

The governor’s office said 44 North Carolina law enforcement officers lost their lives in the line of duty over the past 10 years, and more than 24,000 officers were assaulted in the line of duty during the 10-year period 2004 to 2013.

RELATED LINKS:

How can I let police know about a recurring traffic problem?

Why does the Leland Police Department have a black Ford Explorer with out-of-state plates?

Date posted: January 8, 2015

User-contributed question by:
Dawn