Our Protectors • May 2022– Page 5
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Police Officer Memorial Day and the calendar week of May 15th as National Police Week. This proclamation pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and for the sacrifice and service of our officers working today. The COVID-19 pandemic redefined sacrifice for many in our country over the past two years. Those labeled as essential employees stepped up to serve their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most did this knowing the risks and with the best interest of their fellow man in mind. To each of us, sacrifice looks a little bit different. In law enforcement, sacrifice is a way of life and a term that many of us are well aware of when we take the oath of office. We know we’re going to be working the majority of our careers during the nighttime hours, working holidays, weekends and missing family events. We know our personal and professional life will be lived in a fishbowl and we are always on high
alert for danger around us. The stress of the job makes longevity difficult. And for those officers who do a full 30-year-plus career, the toll the daily stress has on their body and mind is insurmountable. Sadly, an average of 150 law enforcement officers commit suicide annually in our country, a number that in most years is double the number of officers feloniously killed in the line of duty. There were 458 law enforcement line-of-duty deaths in 2021, with 301 of those being a result of on-duty COVID-19 exposures. This is a record number and exemplifies the sacrifice that law enforcement officers and their families endured during the pandemic. Targeted violence against police is on the rise and murders of police officers rose by nearly 60 percent in 2021. This is a concerning trend that is on the mind of each and every police officer in our country. Fewer individuals want to be a police officer nowadays and recruiting has been challenging. That makes the service of our current police officers even
more important. The men and women of the Newton Police Department are an extremely dedicated and talented team of professionals that proudly serve the residents of Newton despite the inherent dangers and sacrifices that come with the job. They serve not because they have
to, but do so because they want to make a difference in the lives of of those who live in the community they love. I am honored to lead such an incredible group of men and women and our community is fortunate to have such a dedicated group of guardians protect-
ing and serving our fine city. We appreciate the support of our community and encourage all of you to take a little extra time over the next week to thank a police officer and honor all police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess
