Honoring Wayne County Law Enforcement on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

January 9th marks National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a time for citizens to recognize the dedication and sacrifices of police officers who serve their communities.

Across the nation, January 9th marks National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a time for citizens to recognize the dedication and sacrifices of police officers who serve their communities. In Wayne County, local law enforcement has long been a cornerstone of public safety, and today, we reflect on their unwavering commitment, courage, and resilience.

The roots of law enforcement in the United States trace back to the 1800s when sheriffs relied on volunteer posses to uphold order. In 1844, New York City established the nation’s first municipal police force, pioneering modern policing methods. By 1857, the city led again, creating the first detective unit—setting a precedent for investigative policing across the nation.

Fast forward to the 1920s, Berkeley, California, introduced centralized training programs, laying the foundation for today’s rigorous officer preparation. However, these advancements came at a high cost. The 1920s remain the deadliest decade for law enforcement, with 2,480 officers killed. In 1930 alone, a record 310 officers lost their lives in the line of duty.

Despite these dangers, law enforcement has continued to evolve. Today, there are over 900,000 sworn officers in the U.S., including about 12% who are women. In 2024, 144 officers nationwide were killed while serving, underscoring the inherent risks of the profession.

In Wayne County, local law enforcement embodies the same steadfast dedication seen across the country. Officers and deputies work tirelessly, often sacrificing personal time to safeguard their communities. From investigating crimes to responding to emergencies, their roles extend beyond traditional policing, often serving as counselors, mediators, and community advocates.

This day also reminds us of the challenges officers face. In 2021, 43,649 assaults against officers were recorded nationwide, resulting in over 15,000 injuries. Despite such risks, these men and women continue to answer the call to serve, maintaining peace and fostering trust in their communities.

Since the first recorded police death in 1786, over 21,000 officers have died in the line of duty, with 21,910 names engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Among them are 472 female officers, a reminder of the increasing diversity in the force. Tragically, 307 officers were lost in 2020, with a significant portion due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Wayne County’s law enforcement officers are part of this legacy of sacrifice and service. They dedicate a third of their time to enforcing criminal laws while balancing myriad responsibilities, from community outreach to crime prevention.

On this day, organizations like Concerns of Police Survivors encourage citizens to express gratitude. Whether it’s a simple “thank you,” participating in events like National Night Out, or even writing letters of appreciation, small acts of kindness can mean the world to officers.

As we commemorate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Wayne County residents are reminded of the vital role local officers play in ensuring public safety. Their work often goes unrecognized, but today, we take a moment to acknowledge their invaluable contributions and the sacrifices they make to keep our community secure.