Sheriff Kevin Sproul: May is a Community Month
Wednesday, May 6th, 2015
May is certainly a busy month for community activities. Of course, May is a month for graduations and all of the celebrations that go with them. As a community, this is a time to rejoice and celebrate with those students who are having their achievements recognized and beginning the next chapter of their lives. Their educational accomplishments not only improve their lives but strengthen the entire community. It is important that we show those who are graduating how much we appreciate them.
May 7th is the National Day of Prayer. This observance was created by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1952. Later, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan established that the observance would take place on the first Thursday in May each year. This is a day when people of all faiths are invited to pray for the nation. In 1775, the Continental Congress asked the Colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a new nation. In 1863, President Lincoln called for a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer.” Today, our nation may be in greater need of prayer than ever before. The local event will be held at noon in front of the Government Center. This year’s theme is “Lord, Hear Our Cry. Investing in Hope. Transforming our Nation through Prayer.”
Another event in May is the annual Cops on Doughnut Shops fundraiser for Special Olympics Georgia. This event will take place on Friday and Saturday, May 8-9, at the Krispy Kreme Doughnut Shop on Slappey Blvd. This is the single largest fundraising event we do for Special Olympics and raises thousands of dollars which are used to feed and house special athletes during the games. This multi-agency event will include officers from the Sheriff’s Office, Albany and Dougherty County Police Departments, and perhaps others who put in a lot of extra time to try to make a difference in the lives of special athletes. Over the years, we have seen the community pull together during this event to show support for those who those who are less fortunate. For the past several years our event has been one of the top fundraising events for Special Olympics statewide.
May also brings National Police Week. Proclaimed by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. This year, National Police Week falls on May 10-16. There will be a Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony on Thursday, May 14, on the plaza in front of the Government Center on Pine Ave. where fallen officers from Albany/Dougherty County will be recognized.
Yes, May is a busy month. It is a month in which we recognize achievements and sacrifices, and support those in need. These are the things a strong community does. If at all possible, I am asking you to take time out of your busy schedule and attend these events and show your support to these outstanding causes. The Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office is proud to be a part of such a community. If there is anything that this Sheriff’s Office can do for you, please feel free to contact us at 229-430-6508.
