Sheriff’s Office, Police Department Participate in National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day as Masonic Memorial Turns Blue

Members of the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office and Alexandria Police Department will meet outside the Masonic Memorial and will activate their cruisers’ emergency lights when the Memorial goes blue at 5:30 p.m.

Supporting this effort are employee groups from both agencies, including the Alexandria Committee of Police Local 5, the Southern States Police Benevolent Association, the Alexandria Police Association and the Alexandria Sheriff’s Association.

Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) and the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) designated January 9, 2015 as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day to remind the public of the tremendous efforts law enforcement officers take “to keep our communities safe.” The F.O.P. notes that on average between 105 and 203 officers die in the line of duty each year and that 50,000 officers are assaulted and 14,000 officers are injured annually in performance of their duties.

Sheriff Dana Lawhorne and Chief Earl Cook, lifelong Alexandrians who began their law enforcement careers together in 1979, appreciate the support of Alexandria’s residents and business people and count on them as public safety partners. Says Sheriff Lawhorne, “We are most grateful for the supportive displays from the community, such as blue porch lights and this powerful tribute from the Masonic Memorial.”

“Every day we strive to keep our City safe and secure,” says Chief Cook. “Receiving such visible recognition from our community for our effort is a blessing.”

Adds Detective Sean Casey, president of the Alexandria Committee of Police Local 5, “Our members are excited to see this visible show of support and to know people appreciate our commitment to serving the public.”

The FOP recommends that those wishing to show their support thank officers and deputies when they see them, send notes of support to local and state law enforcement agencies, share a positive experience with law enforcement through social media and participate in Project Blue Light by displaying a blue light in support of law enforcement.

For further information, please contact Amy Bertsch at the Sheriff’s Office at 703.746.5014 or the Police Department PIO at 703.746.6600.