April & May 2023

A MOMENT WITH

HONORING THE BRAVERY AND SACRIFICE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week of May 15th, as National Police Week. National Peace Officer Memorial Day is a solemn occasion that serves as an important reminder of the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in the line of duty. Observed annually on May 15th, this day allows the nation to express gratitude and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives while serving and protecting our communities. It serves as an opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of their role in maintaining peace and order.

During National Police Memorial Week, various events and ceremonies are held to pay tribute to fallen officers and show appreciation for their commitment and sacrifice. The most significant event is the National Peace Officers Memorial Service, which is held on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The service is attended by thousands of law enforcement officers, survivors of fallen officers, and dignitaries from around the nation.

THE HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE

National Peace Officer Memorial Day was initially designated as a single day of remembrance for fallen law enforcement officers. However, in 1994, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Police Week Proclamation, which

expanded the commemoration to a full week, initiating on May 15th and culminating on May 21st. This week has since been recognized as National Police Week. The significance of National Peace Officer Memorial Day exists in its recognition of the service and sacrifices of law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. It serves to honor their memory, express gratitude to their families, and demonstrate support for those who continue to serve on the front lines.

ACTIVITIES AND CEREMONIES

Throughout National Police Week, various activities and ceremonies take place throughout the nation to honor fallen officers and support their families. These events provide an opportunity for law enforcement agencies, government officials, and communities to come together and pay their respects. Some of the key events include:

1. National Police Week Opening Ceremony: The week begins with an official ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. It brings together dignitaries, law enforcement officers, and families of fallen officers to jumpstart the week of commemoration.

2. Candlelight Vigil: The Candlelight Vigil is one of the most important events of National Police Week. Thou-

SHERIFF BROWN

sands gather at the National Mall to pay tribute to the officers who lost their lives in the previous year. The names of the fallen officers are read aloud, and their families are presented with a rose.

3. Wreath-Laying Ceremonies: Law enforcement agencies from across the nation participate in wreath-laying ceremonies at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. These ceremonies provide an opportunity for agencies to honor their fallen comrades and express solidarity with one another.

4. Memorial Services: Many states and local communities conduct their own memorial services during National Police Week. These services involve local law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and citizens, uniting to remember fallen officers and offer support to their families.

THE LEGACY AND SUPPORT

National Peace Officer Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the risks encountered by law enforcement officers and the challenges they face in their daily duties. It highlights the importance of supporting and recognizing their contributions to public safety. Communities and individuals show their support by wearing blue ribbons, display ing blue lights, or participating in events that honor law enforcement officers.

Additionally, various organizations and charities work year-round to aid and lend support to the families of fallen officers. They offer financial aid, counseling services, and educational scholarships to ensure that the legacies of these brave individuals are never forgotten.

National Peace Officer Memorial Day and National Police Week provide a crucial opportunity for the nation to honor and remember law enforcement officers who

have made the ultimate sacrifice. By commemorating their bravery and acknowledging their contributions, we demonstrate our gratitude and support for those who selflessly serve our communities. Through collective remembrance, we ensure that the memory of these fallen officers perseveres and their sacrifices are never forgotten.

I was delighted to dispatch the NCSO honor guard members to Washington, DC to participate in this year’s commemorative activities.

With the highest honor, I am grateful to conclude this message with the following encouraging words: In the realm of duty and honor, they stand tall—the guardians of order, the sentinels of justice. Law enforcement officers embody bravery and selflessness as they navigate the complex fabric of society, ensuring our safety with unswerving resolve. They face adversity without an intermediary, protecting communities, upholding the law, and sacrificing their own well-being for ours. With hearts of courage, they forge a path towards a better tomorrow, earning our unwavering gratitude and respect. We salute these remarkable individuals, the embodiment of steadfast dedication and the true heroes among us.

Sheriff Ezell Brown Newton County, Georgia

about the agency

The goal of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office is “to be recognized as the kind of professional organization that values, respects, and honors the rights and dignity of the entire community. Through an abundance of collaborative efforts, the NCSO is committed to improving life in every aspect for its citizens, businesses, schools, colleges/universities and visitors.”

The Newton County Sheriff's Office is located at 15151 Alcovy Road in Covington, Georgia. From I-20, take Exit 92 onto Alcovy Road and travel north on Alcovy Road for approximately one mile and cross over Highway 142. The Sheriff's Office will be on the left.

The administrative office hours for the Newton County Sheriff's Office are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays.

The Newton County Jail is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

agency ’ s contact numbers

NCSO HONOR GUARD ATTENDS 35TH ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

On May 13, 2023, the Newton County Sheriff's Office Honor Guard attended the 35th Annual Candlelight Vigil at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to honor fallen police officers. This year, 556 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., bringing the total number of names to 23,785.

MORE THAN 200 STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM C.H.A.M.P.S. PROGRAM

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office graduated 210 students from the agency’s Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety (C.H.A.M.P.S.) program during in-person graduations held at South Salem Elementary and West Newton Elementary from April 18-19, 2023.

The C.H.A.M.P.S. program is taught to every fifth grader in the Newton County School System with subject matters to include: drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse prevention; gangs and violence; peer pressure/bullying; internet safety; methamphetamine; and cocaine.

The C.H.A.M.P.S. instructors — Deputies Tim Smith, Michael Gregg, and Kimberly Cox — are certified to teach by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association and tailor the lesson plans based on the needs of the school. It is the goal of the instructors to teach the students what they need to be successful in the future and how to avoid the obstacles they will face along the way.

Sheriff Brown and the Sheriff’s Office acknowledge Newton County School System Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey; the Newton County Board of Education; and the principals, teachers, and school staff at each of the Newton County Elementary Schools for their part in making the C.H.A.M.P.S. program a success.

PORTERDALE ELEMENTARY GRADUATION

PORTERDALE ELEMENTARY GRADUATION

SERVING THE

MIND BODY AND SOUL EVENT AT NEWTON HIGH

SENIOR NIGHT AT EASTSIDE HIGH

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER AT THE RESERVE AT HENDRICKS

EAST NEWTON ELEMENTARY GRADUATION

MOTHER’S DAY AT WOLVERINE FIELD

COMMUNITY

EAST NEWTON ELEMENTARY GRADUATION

WELCOME Newly Hired Employees

Sheriff Ezell Brown and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office welcome you!

Treatha Fox Administrative Technician Stacy King Detention Officer