Nassau BOCC Proclaims May 9 – May 15 as National Police Week

from The County Insider
Office of the Nassau County Manager
April 29, 2021

4/28/21 @ 12:30 p.m. – At the Board of County Commissioner’s meeting held on Monday, April 26, 2021, the Board approved Resolution No. 2021-53 proclaiming the week of May 9 through May 15 as National Police Week in Nassau County, Florida; and proclaiming May 15, 2021 as Peace Officers Memorial Day.

National Police Week has become widely recognized through the United States as a way for citizenry to pay tribute and express their gratitude to those who have served, those that continue to serve, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their community. During the last 10 years, 1,627 policy officers have died in the line of duty, averaging one death every 54 hours. To date, Nassau County has suffered the loss of 9 Law Enforcement Officers, including 6 from the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, 1 from the City of Fernandina Beach, 1 Florida Highway Patrol Officer, and 1 Hilliard Constable.

Nassau County Sheriff, Bill Leeper, Nassau County Emergency Management Director, Greg Foster, and the City of Fernandina Beach Police Chief, Jim Hurley, were all in attendance for the reading of the Resolution. Sheriff Leeper thanked the Commission for their support and announced that his office will host a special Law Enforcement Memorial Service on Wednesday, May 5th at 10:00 a.m. at the Sheriff’s Memorial Plaza located at 77151 Citizens Way, Yulee, FL.

Chief Hurley also thanked the Commission for the recognition and happily accepted the Proclamation on behalf of his department. He also announced that he will retire from his position as Police Chief on Friday, April 30th after 15 years of exemplary service to the community. Congratulations Chief Hurley! We wish you many years of health and happiness and thank you for all you have done to keep Nassau County residents safe.

We now urge all residents to thank a police officer today for their service and dedication. To quote President Ronald Reagan, “Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid”. Officers face acts of evil every day and its their bravery that allows them to push through and follow through on their oath to protect the residents they serve.