This week is National Police Week. All across the country, law enforcement officers and community residents are gathering to honor the memories of officers who have been killed in the line of duty. I was asked to speak at our local memorial service for fallen officers hosted by our church this year. Here is the message I delivered today:
To Stand in the Gap
Ezekiel 22:30
30 “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.” — Ezekiel 22:30
A National Tribute
We are gathered here today during the observance of National Police Week, to honor the memories of the eight fallen Pittsylvania County peace officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. Each year, between 140 and 160 law enforcement officers are killed in the United States. On average, an officer dies in the line of duty every two-and-a-half days in our country.
So, we have gathered here today to remember not only these officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, but all officers who have put their lives on the line for their communities. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, approximately 438 officers — 433 men and 5 women — have been killed protecting and serving their fellow Virginians. These were experienced officers with almost 9 years of service on average. And, they were officers in the prime of life — the average age of Virginia’s fallen is 39.
ChuckWarnock.com 