FBCC honors Peace Officers

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
May 4, 2022

At their May 3, 2022 Regular Meeting, the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) proclaimed May 15, 2022, as “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and the week of May 16, 2022, as “National Police Week.” Mayor Mike Lednovich read the Proclamation, which highlighted the unique challenges and responsibilities of their Police Department personnel who take a solemn oath to serve the people by protecting life and property, by standing up against violence and disorder, and by shielding the innocent and the weak against oppression or intimidation.

Lednovich added that Florida Police Departments have properly evolved into professional organizations, utilizing scientific and computerized methods as the basis for effective community- based policing strategies and policy mandates, while embracing diversity and fairness as fundamental organizational principals.

Fernandina Beach Police Chief Mark Foxworth, accompanied by members of the City’s Police force, accepted the Proclamation.

Chief Foxworth and Mayor Lednovich

Chief Foxworth thanked the City and the community for their support. He said, “It is important to remember that policing is a profession in which its members are subject to being threatened, assaulted, injured, cursed at and sometimes even killed in the line of duty. 1930 was the last time a Fernandina Beach Police officer died in the line of duty: Chief Frank Surrency.”

Foxworth continued, “I’d be remiss if I didn’t show some appreciation to these men and women behind me here. These are men and women of the Fernandina Beach Police Department. It’s my honor to be a part of this agency. These are people who come to work every day trying to make a difference in their community.”

In closing, Foxworth thanked the members of his police force, the FBCC and the community.