Thought it may be a good time to list a few things we are thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day. Such a list could include a wide range of personal and professional items, but I will limit it to the professional side of life.
Thus, in no specific order of prioritization (even though I may have done so unconsciously), here is a list of things for which we are thankful.
- Our military men and women who are serving to protect the freedoms we enjoy everyday and often take for granted. Whether they are overseas confronting an enemy or serving closer to home but still away from their families on this holiday, we give our thanks for your service to our country. May God bless you and offer divine protection as you go about completing your duties.
- To the 300+ members of the Lakeland Police Department, be they civilian or sworn, we are grateful for their dedication to duty and willingness to protect our community. Police officers often get the most public recognition, as their jobs require them to be in harm's way during daily tours of duty. The job is more dangerous than people realize, but just as important for our department to complete its mission is the civilian support staff that keeps the officers operational. Thank you to all for your unending commitment to excellence.
- To the families of LPD members, we realize it is not easy to watch your loved one - be it your spouse, mom, dad, son, or daughter - go to work everyday wondering if they will be safe and come home at the end of their tour of duty. Your support behind the scenes makes it possible for us to do our jobs. Our jobs are tough, but your role is undoubtedly tougher. We are grateful that you have the strength to let us do what we are sworn to do.
- To our LPD volunteers who give back to the community through the countless hours of volunteer service, we offer our heartfelt thanks. Whether it be as a victim advocate, a domestic violence advocate, a member of the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, or a Neighborhood member, volunteers are an essential part of the Lakeland Police Department. We simply could not do all that we do without the assistance of our wonderful volunteers.
- To our city leaders who support our endeavors and give us the resources we need to get the job done. We are blessed to have a City Commission that embraces the vision and mission of the police department, as well as a City Manager and Staff who ensure we are able to have equipment and financial resources needed to serve the community. In times when budgets are tight and getting tighter, we have it much better than other police agencies across the state and nation. That is something we should never forget.
- To our many community partners who are willing to work side by side with us to prevent crime and fix neighborhood problems, thank you for being there. Preventing crime takes more than law enforcement - it requires an entire community to take ownership for the conditions in which crime is allowed to occur and be willing to work hard to correct those conditions. No police department will ever be able to control crime alone. We are thankful for the community's support and your efforts to make Lakeland the wonderful city it is today.
Happy Thanksgiving Day to all...
- Asst Chief Bill LePere
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