Approximately 60-70 residents filled the sanctuary of Faith Baptist Church last Thursday night as the Mathews County Sheriff’s Office held its annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service.

The service was held to pay homage to the 143 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in the U.S. in 2016. It also provided residents an opportunity to say thanks to the dedicated men and women of law enforcement who keep the community safe.

Sheriff Mark Barrick also presented two awards during the half hour ceremony—Outstanding Contribution to Law Enforcement Awards to Lt. Albert “Sid” Foster of the Mathews County Sheriff’s Office and to Commander Jim Warren on behalf of American Legion Post 83.

“Today, some 900,000 law enforcement officers put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of others, Barrick said. “They do so with valor and distinction. When others are running away from trouble, we run to it.”

Unfortunately, that d...