Nassau County Sheriff’s Office hosts Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office hosted a memorial service Wednesday morning to honor not only the officers who have died previously in the line of service, but also the 264 law enforcement officers who died in 2020 throughout America.

“Our profession is unlike any other. Our lives, as well as our family’s lives, changed in an instant. We also have the power to change the lives of any person we encounter,” Sheriff Bill Leeper said at the ceremony. He focused on the need to understand police officers and the sacrifices they make when they put on a uniform.

“I watch what is taking place across the rest of the country. I have grown sick and tired of hearing about how bad cops are. Cops need to be more like social workers, cops need more training and reform, as well as calls to defund the police. Believe it or not, cops can’t solve all of society social issues, nor should they,” Leeper said. “This is a time for us to remember and also remind citizens of the sacrifices that public safety officers make. Because of the oath we take, we are ready to put ourselves in harm’s way every day. It is part of our responsibility for the community that we serve.”

One of the people honored was Deputy Sheriff Jack Gwynes passed away in February due to COVID-19 complications. He started his career back in 1995 with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and moved his way to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office in April 2019.

A plaque will be added to the memorial wall in front of the new Nassau County Sheriff’s Headquarters at next year’s memorial service to honor Gwynes.

Cox Media Group