U.S. Attorney Gretchen Shappert Asks Virgin Islanders to Recognize and Celebrate Our Law Enforcement Officers: National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, January 9th

St. Thomas, USVI – United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert for the District of the Virgin Islands encourages everyone to join her this Saturday, January 9^th, by saluting our law enforcement officers and showing support on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.  “Local and federal law enforcement officers are our first responders whenever our communities are threatened by criminal activity, natural disasters, or other public safety emergencies.  The men and women of law enforcement risk their lives and sacrifice their personal interests in order to protect and defend all of us,” Shappert said. “And each year, approximately 140 to 160 officers sacrifice their lives in the line of duty.  It’s our job to acknowledge and recognize their enormous contributions to public safety and to our well-being.”  

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day will be observed across the country, this Saturday, January 9th. The holiday was originally created in 2015 by multiple organizations to express gratitude for law enforcement officers throughout the United States.  One of the leading organizations to support this holiday is C.O.P.S—Concerns of Police Survivors.  For more information about C.O.P.S. and how to support law enforcement on January 9th, see https://www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/l-e-a-d .   

Anyone who appreciates law is encouraged to consider ways to show appreciation to law enforcement officers during Law Enforcement Appreciation Day:

• Change your profile picture on social media show support for Law Enforcement.
• Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement.
• Send a letter, card or email to your local police department or federal agency expressing support and appreciation. 
• Share a story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media.
• Ask children to write letters in support of law enforcement.
• Participate in Project Blue Light by proudly displaying a blue light in support of law enforcement.

Most importantly, if you see a law enforcement officer, thank a law enforcement officer.