FRONT 1 _ One of Christiansburg’s newest patrol vehicle now carries a wrap, which remembers the military.
Marty Gordon
The Christiansburg Police Department took a step back in time this week as part of its effort to remember officers that had gone before them. The week of May 13-18 is recognized as “National Police Week with May 15 being National Police Day.
On Wednesday, the CPD took part in the national recognition by wearing throwback uniforms from the early 80s.
Chief Mark Sisson said his agency wanted to pay tribute to fallen officers and everyone that came before them.
The “French light blue shirts with dark blue epaulettes” were worn by officers of the Christiansburg Police Department through the 70s and 80s.
While Sisson admits the uniforms are stylish, they will only come out of the closet once a year for the special recognition.
“This is something that will only be worn during the special week,” he said.
Police Week came into effect under President John F. Kennedy’s administration in 1962 with the designation of May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and Sisson said that his department would be amiss if they didn’t remember two past fallen officers—Terry Griffith and Scott Hylton.
“We always remember them on a day-to-day basis and on this special day,” Sisson said.
Hylton died May 9, 2003, while Griffith was lost on September 18, 1994.
Their names were read Wednesday in Washington, D.C. as part of police week remembrances at the National Police Memorial
According to the FBI’s recently released 2018 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, 106 police officers lost their lives on duty: 55 feloniously killed and 51 died accidentally.
To officially commemorate them, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Public Law 103-322, signed by President Bill Clinton, directed that the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff on all government buildings on May 15 each year.
In addition to the throwback uniforms, the Christiansburg Police Department has unveiled a very special police cruiser in salute of the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.
“Our message is important. We want the community to know that we support our military. In addition, we think we can touch a lot of people in our community through this,” Sisson said.
The vehicle, which will serve in the department’s fleet patrol, will make several appearances over the next six months at national competition and events, and be seen on the streets of Christiansburg over the next week.
