Blue Ribbon Campaign for National Police Week

On average, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United States every 53 hours. Since the first known line-of-duty death in 1791, more than 19,000 U.S. law enforcement officers have made the ultimate sacrifice.

During National Police Week, the calendar week that includes May 15th, C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) encourages the display of blue ribbons on car antennas.  Law enforcement personnel are encouraged to tie blue ribbons to cruiser antennas.  Citizens are encouraged to tie the blue ribbons on their car antennas.  These blue ribbons are a  reminder of our law enforcement personnel who have died in the line of duty and in honor of those men and women who serve our community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year in and year out.

The names of the 158 officers who died in the line of duty in 2010 will be added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC and they will be remembered during the national memorial service on May 15th.

This year has seen a marked increase in violence against our peace officers.  Overall, there has been an 18% increase in the number of deaths in the first four months of 2011.  32 of those officer deaths so far in 2011 have been the result of gunfire...a 78% increase over the same time period last year.

Fly your blue ribbon in memory of those who have died while serving us and as a reminder to honor and pray for those who have chosen to stand between us and harms way.

National EMS Week

If you have ever been transported to the hospital by EMS, you probably have a great appreciation for them.  They stand ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 


The Emergency Medical Services system has grown and evolved over the past 40 years.  Long gone are the days of the funeral home converting an old hearse into an ambulance.  Today, EMS brings a virtual emergency room to your doorstep...instead of a hearse.  (Just thinking about that simple fact should make you feel better.)

Thanks to our EMS personnel who engage in countless hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills and bring quality emergency care to the scene where it is needed.  Because of these dedicated servants we have access to quality emergency care that dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury.

Today would be a good day to thank a medic...or better yet...give them a big hug!

North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Foundation

The 6th annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial will be held at Nash Square in Downtown Raleigh on May 7th.  The annual Fireman’s Parade starts at 10am through the streets of downtown and the memorial service starts at 1:00pm.

Two NC firefighters will be honored at the service and their names will be on the memorial wall.

Chad Eric Green, 34, died on November 4, 2009 after responding to a motor vehicle crash.  He was the Deputy Chief of Union Cross Fire Department in Forsyth County.

Belmont firefighter Richard Adam Miller, 24, died on December 29, 2009 while participating in physical fitness training at Fire Department Headquarters, Gaston County Fire Station 43.

More information on the parade, memorial service and those who are being honored can be found at www.ncfff.org