COVINGTON, Ga. - In 1962, Congress and John .F Kennedy signed a proclamation declaring May 15 as Peace Officer Memorial Day, and the week has been known as National Police Week. Sunday, May 14 through Saturday, May 20is National Police Week in which members of law enforcement agencies will honor and recognize the dedication of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
The Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) lost its very first officer in the line of duty on Nov. 15, 2016. Deputy Justin White was killed en route to a cardiac arrest emergency call to assist in saving a life when he lost his very own.
Deputy White was awarded the Lifesaver Award for saving the life of an infant by administering CPR. He has also been awarded the Purple Heart award and given a posthumous promotion by Sheriff Ezell Brown to Investigator in the Criminal Investigations Division.
During Police Week, Deputy White’s name will be inducted into the memorial wall in Washington, DC. The NCSO Honor Guard and family escort personnel will accompany the White family to Washington, DC to participate in this event.
Locally, NCSO will participate in Police Week events at Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta on May 16 at 9 a.m., which Sheriff Brown will be the guest speaker, and at Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth on May 22 at 10 a.m.
“Experiencing the loss of one of my own officers this past year has been difficult for me and my staff,” Sheriff Ezell Brown said. “Yet it is truly no greater honor than to know a person who served selflessly and paid the ultimate sacrifice.” My heart goes out to all the law enforcement agencies and families who have lost a loved one in the line of duty. I know there is nothing we can do during this week to take away the pain, but know our “Fallen Officers” are remembered, loved and they are our “Heroes”
Beginning Monday May 15, 2017, in honor of Deputy Justin White, NCSO will have memorial exhibits displayed at the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, Westside Precinct, Judicial Center/Courthouse, Newton County Administration Building and the Historic Courthouse on the square.