By Melissa Cantu Trevino
Every year people across the nation celebrated and honor the peacekeepers for a week in May. On Thursday morning, the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Department held their annual National Police Week ceremony to honor local men and women who wear the badge.
“Throughout this country many people, many law enforcement officers, many staff members of law enforcement are celebrating law enforcement week as we remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty. Those who dedicated themselves to work in the communities, cities, state patrol, highway patrol, border patrol,” said Sheriff Daniel Bueno.
Men and women who put on a law enforcement uniform and put their lives on the line for communities around the nation are honored with tokens of appreciation. These officers leave their homes and loved ones to serve and protect others not “knowing if they’ll go home.”
“On behalf of the people of Alice just want to thank all of you for carrying out your work and ministry and protection for the community. Without law enforcement we would really be a mess,” said Monsignor Pivonka with the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church.
According to Bueno, the nation has lost a total of 619 officers this year.
Bueno touched on officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and to officers who work hard and have dedicated their lives as first responders. He briefly touched on the life and death of Kingsville Police Officer Senior Patrolman Sherman Otto Benys Jr. who died Nov. 4, 2021 from a gunshot wound he received in the line of duty. Benys was responding to a domestic incident when shot.
“It is not an easy task, it is not an easy job. Not everyone can do the job,” Bueno said. “We are obligated to continue to serve our communities. To give all our requirements that the people need.”
According to Bueno, the JWC Sheriff’s Department received 12,543 call for services in 2021 and filed 3,241 reports for victims. From Jan. 2022 to current day, the department has received 4,748 calls for service.
“Never underestimate the power that you have when you put that badge on,” Bueno told the officers. “You have committed yourself to these law enforcement agencies, to be a servant and I ask you to continue.”
