MT Attorney General Encourages Support for Officers During Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

The following statements were provided by the Montana Department of Justice:

Today marks the nation’s first Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and Attorney General Tim Fox encourages Montanans to find ways to support and thank officers in their communities.

“It’s no secret that the law enforcement profession is facing increased scrutiny today,” Attorney General Fox said. “One man or woman in uniform can end up on the receiving end of anger directed at the profession in general. On behalf on the Montana Department of Justice, thank you to all our city police officers, county sheriff deputies, Highway Patrol Troopers, federal agents, motor carrier officers, and tribal law enforcement for believing the badge and uniform you wear are worth the sacrifices you have made and will make in the future.”

Today’s observation was started by the FBI National Academy to thank officers across the country, and supporters have taken to social media to establish a day to honor the men and women of law enforcement. There are a variety of ways people can show their support:

• Wear blue clothing or put blue lights on your home
• Share a positive story about law enforcement on social media
• Have your children or students make a card or write a letter
• Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency
• Organize an event or a rally in support of your law enforcement officers
• See a police officer? Thank a police officer
• Consider making a donation to the Montana Law Enforcement Museum

In Montana, 123 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty in the State’s history. The most recent loss was that of Cascade County Deputy Sheriff Joe Dunn, who was struck and killed on August 14, 2014 by a vehicle that was being pursued near Belt.