Durham County Sheriff Mike Andrews wrote an open letter to his deputies and citizens Friday morning following the tragic string of deaths involving police officers.
On Tuesday, Alton Sterling was shot and killed in an altercation with Baton Rouge, Louisiana police officers. Philando Castile was shot and killed by police during a traffic stop outside of Minneapolis on Wednesday. Then, in Dallas on Thursday night, 5 police officers were killed and 7 others were wounded by “snipers” during a protest.
Sheriff Andrews mourns the consecutive tragedies in his letter. He writes, “Today we all have heavy hearts and our badges weigh a thousand pounds. Our feelings are numb from events that have taken place. We all have searched for answers and wept for our fellow officers and citizens. We watched the bravery of many officers run towards danger to protect citizens without hesitation.”
Over the last couple of weeks, we all have been actively participating in our community like we do every single day. But, the last few weeks for me seemed different in such a moving and positive way. I don’t know if it was becoming a grandpa for the first time, witnessing our personnel smiling and laughing with the community as they participated in the Running Man Challenge, witnessing our detention facility staff baptizing individuals who had made a commitment to their newfound faith, or celebrating our nation’s birth on Independence Day.
I have had many residents reach out to me, thanking me for our men and women in uniform and the positive impact that they have felt from our efforts. Today we all have heavy hearts and our badges weigh a thousand pounds. Our feelings are numb from events that have taken place. We all have searched for answers and wept for our fellow officers and citizens. We watched the bravery of many officers run towards danger to protect citizens without hesitation.
I ask that you honorably continue your level of professionalism and service to our citizens of Durham. Today we honor all citizens living in peace, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving their community. Most of all, I want you to remember the reason “you” decided to take the initiative to place that BADGE over your HEART. Your service, your professionalism, your dedication, and your compassion for Durham and all its citizens is appreciated, but most of all, it is needed.
In honor, duty and in service,
Mike Andrews
Sheriff
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