VSPA Informational Bulletins

May 21, 2023.

Police Week 2023

Bill Carrico, Executive Director

All Members,

As we conclude Police week let me encourage you by saying there's more people than you know that appreciate the work that you do every day. As I reflect on today's environment about policing, I am reminded of how history seems to repeat itself when we fail to teach younger generations of events of our past. The law designating May 15th as Police Officer Memorial Day followed by National Police week through May 20th was during much civil unrest and looming rumors of war. It was in 1962 that then President John F. Kennedy signed this into law to recognize the importance of remembering the sacrifice made by the men and women who are protecting a free society.

Today we see much civil unrest as seen in 1962 and we seem to repeat the same old mistakes by allowing the media and political messaging to divide and create an environment of division. Let us always remember our battle isn't with one another, nor does it hang in the balance of one superior race of another, the battle is with the evil acts against one another. We will never agree on everything, but we can only live in a free society if we can agree to disagree and move on. However, when it is continually politicized by being shared on social and mainstream media it then becomes a cancer that grows and kills. Talking things through face-to-face or eye-to-eye explaining our position we can then agree or disagree or resolve the issues. Knowing where someone stands through expressions and conversations creates compassion and understanding of each side of the issue. You will not always agree but you will always know how a person feels by having the conversation.

Satan is the root of all division and is why the Bible tells us that we have an adversary that we must resist. Be sober. Be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour. (I Peter 5:8). The Bible tells us to put on the whole armor of God to fight against spiritual evil that births the evil that is destroying the minds of the people today. This all leads to the division and hatred towards people they have never met. This is the parallel battle the Police officer faces each day and the uniform that Police put on to fight against the physical evil they see. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:10-17 KJV)

From all of us at the Virginia State Police Association as National Police week concludes we want to say thank you for your tireless efforts to wage the war against all evil and the sacrifice you make each day for all of us!

May the Lord bless you, may His face shine upon you, and bring you peace in all that you do.

Bill Carrico

Executive DirectoR