FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT
CHIEF THOMAS DELLANE STAFFORD TOWNSHIP PD
The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | May 2023
May is a time for remembrance in the law enforcement world . We start with the Police Unity Tour bike ride from New Jersey to Washington DC . The primary purpose of the ride is to raise awareness of Law Enforcement Officers killed in the line of duty . The motto of the Unity Tour is “ we ride for those who died ”.
I have made the ride seven times and truly believe that there is no more solemn occasion than riding through the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC as survivors of officers killed in the line of duty line the walls of the memorial to show their appreciation to all riders .
It was shortly after the ride in 2017 that I was approached by a gentleman who asked if he could get a picture of Team Stafford in uniform as he could not locate his riders . We immediately agreed and lined up for the photo . It was at that point that a young mother and her three small children lined up with us for the photo . The children were holding up a picture of their father with the caption “ We Love You Daddy ”.
They were the surviving spouse and three children of fallen Trooper Eric D . Ellsworth of the Utah Highway Patrol . Trooper Ellsworth died as a result of the injuries sustained when he was struck by a car while directing traffic . It is for the heroes like Trooper Ellsworth and for their surviving family members that I participate in the Police Unity Tour .
Immediately following the Unity Tour ride in ceremony is the beginning of Police Week on Saturday , May 13 , 2023 . In 1962 , President John F . Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week . Tens of thousands of law enforcement officers from around the world converge on Washington , DC to participate in planned events such as the Candlelight Vigil which honors those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice .
National Police Week offers honor , remembrance , and peer support , while allowing law enforcement , survivors , and citizens to gather and pay homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty .
Sadly , there have been 34 officers who have made the supreme sacrifice to date in 2023 . It is the duty of every law enforcement officer to respect , honor and remember those that have come before us and recognize the sacrifice of those loved and left behind . This duty is not innate , it is learned and it is our duty as law enforcement executives to ensure that every officer is aware of this duty .
We can facilitate this by creating a culture where respect , honor and remembrance is trained into every new officer . It is our duty to encourage our officers to participate in memorial services and support officers participating in the variety of activities that highlight those who have made the supreme sacrifice . It starts with every chief making a commitment to participate in these activities as well .
I think of Trooper Ellsworth and his family often and cannot help but hope that his wife and children are doing well . I will never forget Trooper Ellsworth and will continue doing all in my power to ensure that no officer who made the supreme sacrifice is ever forgotten .
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