Aiken County Council has asked the public to fly flags at half-staff Friday to honor the community's law enforcement officers who have lost their lives or become disabled in the line of duty.
The community also will honor Aiken County law enforcement agencies that "play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the citizens and our community," according to Council.
The day also is for residents to understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards and sacrifices of their law enforcement officers, and law enforcers are asked to recognize their role in serving Aiken County.
County Council unanimously proclaimed the day as Peace Officers Memorial Day.
The idea of a Peace Officers Memorial Day came into effect Oct. 1, 1961, when Congress asked the president to designate May 15 to honor law enforcement officers. President John F. Kennedy signed the bill into law Oct. 1, 1962. Each year, the president proclaims May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week of each year during which May 15 occurs as Police Week, according to the website for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers' Association.
Officers working in the county said this event is important to them.
"It is especially close to my heart," Aiken Department of Public Safety Lt. Karl Odenthal said. "It is a special calling for people, as well; it is not about the money, it is not about the uniform ... it is really about the ability to make a difference in people's lives."
"That recognition is very near and dear to us," Public Safety's Lt. Jake Mahoney said. "It hits very close to home, helping us remember those who have made sacrifices especially Scotty and Sandy."
Master Public Safety Officer Scotty Richardson and Master Cpl. Sandy Rogers, both of Aiken Public Safety, lost their lives in the line of duty within months of each other.
Mahoney said this will not only recognize local law enforcement, but law enforcement serving all over the country.
Aiken County Council member Camille Furgiuele said, "It will be an important reminder to all of us to not take for granted those law enforcement officers who have dedicated and sometimes given their lives to protect all of us."
Will Whaley is a native of Fayette, Alabama, and has been with the newspaper since January. He graduated from the University of North Alabama.