Local Officials Honor Officers On National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Officers across the nation have been under fire lately for several high-profile incidents, but there is a movement now underway to reverse that trend.
"We're the only occupation out there that may be called to give up our lives or to take another," said Rich Wilson, a retired police officer.
Words to remind the public what it means to protect and serve.
Friday marked National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a time to remind the public that a police officer's job is not easy.
Police officers, sheriff's deputies, state police and constables in Butler County were saluted for the job they perform every day.
"They kiss their love ones goodbye as they head off to work, never knowing for sure if they'll ever do so again," said Pennsylvania Sen. Elder Vogel at the ceremony.
It's one of many reasons why police work is considered a noble profession.
"They do it for complete strangers on a daily basis; they put their lives on the line for strangers," said Pennsylvania Rep. Bill Ellis.
These are turbulent times for police officers; they've been under fire around the country over recent shooting incidents.
"The fact that you are under fire is ridiculous. Those people that have put you in those positions, if they would respect the law and respect police, those situations would have never happened," said Butler County District Attorney Rich Goldinger.
Meanwhile, back in the city, blue lights were burning brightly at the City County Building on Friday.
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto hopes this will be the start of improved relations in the community.
"Encouraging people to wear blue, encouraging people when they see an officer to say thank you, encouraging people to put a blue light up, but not just those trying to say it's this side or that side but everyone," said Mayor Peduto.
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