The Gainesville Justice Center is going blue in observance of National Police Week, May 11-17, 2016.
Starting Wednesday night, the Justice Center on Queen City Parkway will be lighted with blue nightly to show respect and appreciation for law enforcement across the country, according to a press statement from the Gainesville Police Department.
The news release said in the United States, more than 900,000 law enforcement officers put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of others.
"They serve with valor and distinction-and with great success. Nationally, statistics show that violent and property crime rates in the United States are at historic lows, thanks in large measure to the dedicated service of the men and women of law enforcement," the statement read.
"That protection comes at a price, however. Each year, there are approximately 60,000 assaults on law enforcement officers, resulting in nearly 16,000 injuries. Sadly, over the last decade, an average of 146 officers a year has been killed in the line of duty. On average, one law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty somewhere in the United States every 61 hours."
In addition to lighting up the Justice Center, Gainesville PD has sent Officers Justin Seabolt and Griggs Wall and Sergeant Kevin Holbrook to Washington D.C. for the Police Unity Tour. The officers raise funds to participate in the 250+ mile bicycle ride from Portsmouth, Virginia to Washington D. C. in honor of fallen police officers. When the three arrive at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, they will take place in memorial activities for those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
