BY JIMMY LAWTON

North Country This Week

CANTON – Following a request from St. Lawrence County Sheriff Brooks Bigwarfe May 15 will become Peace Officers Memorial Day, which kicks off the newly proclaimed Police Week.

Bigwarfe spoke at a recent county legislators committee meeting where he said he’d like the proclamation made to honor law enforcement and peace officers who service locally and across the nation.

“In 1962, President Kennedy signed a proclamation designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. I would like to recognize the essential role law enforcement agencies play in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of citizens  while understanding their duties, responsibilities, hazards, sacrifices, and duty to serve and safeguard life and property against violence and disorder. In 2021 law enforcement continues to serve a vital community role, but in an even more stressful environment due to the current pandemic that sweep our county and nation. I would call on all citizens to join in honoring our law enforcement officers, past and present, for their dedication, performance of duty and service to St. Lawrence County,” Bigwarfe said.

National Police Week recognizes that enforcement plays an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of citizens while understanding their duties responsibilities, hazards, sacrifices, and duty to serve and safeguard life and property against violence and disorder,” the resolution said.

 During police week the St. Lawrence County will honor the sheriff’s office, town and village police departments as well as state and federal officers.

Brooks noted that 2021 has been a tough year as the world struggles with the pandemic.

Prior to a committee vote in favor of the resolution, County Legislator Margaret Haggard asked if the peace officer Memorial Day was intended to honor officers who lost their lives on duty.

Bigwarfe clarified that the goal was to recognize all officers past and present for their efforts.

The resolution will go before the full board of legislators May 3, where it is expected to pass.

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