BUCKHANNON – If you live in Upshur County, today – Jan. 9, 2020 – is the day to show extra appreciation to local law enforcement for their work.
Lori Ulderich Harvey, executive director of the Upshur County Family Resource Network Director, presented a proclamation, declaring Jan. 9 National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at Thursday’s Upshur County Commission meeting.
“We just wanted to thank them all for everything they do,” Harvey said. “They put their lives on the line every day and our VIPS volunteers, they do so much just out of volunteerism, it’s not even their job.”
Harvey said the day enables communities to express their gratitude to law enforcement of all kinds.
“On National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Jan. 9 each year, across our country, citizens take the lead to show their support,” Harvey said. “Law enforcement officers of every rank and file have chosen the profession that puts their life on the line every day for their communities and for that as a society we are grateful.”
She said law enforcement occupations can be a thankless job, but they shouldn’t be.
“From local, state and federal their duties command dedication, their jobs are often thankless and take them away from their families for long hours,” Harvey said. “Rarely do they know what their days have in store for them.”
She noted sometimes law enforcement is the only paid emergency resource in communities and must work with other local, state, federal and volunteer organizations.
“Whereas on Jan. 9 of each year, we will call our nation’s citizens to action in support of law enforcement,” Harvey said. “The citizens who appreciate law enforcement and are discouraged about the negative attention being given to law enforcement are encouraged to take time on Jan. 9 to show their support.”
Harvey listed several ways people can express gratitude to law enforcement, including sending a note of thanks, wearing blue, shining a blue light and sharing positive stories of law enforcement.
Prior to adjourning, commissioners also approved on first reading suggested revisions to the Upshur County Floodplain Ordinance, which establish a new flat rate fee of $75 for residential buildings. For commercial projects, there will be a fee of $100 up to $100,000 worth of construction. Above $100,000, the fee would be a 10th of a percent based on the cost of the project, according to a previous story. To read more about the change, click here.