Mathews Sheriff’s Office to hold service Tuesday to mark Police Appreciation Week

The Mathews County Sheriff’s Office will hold a service to mark National Police Appreciation Week at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Piankatank Ruritan Club, Hudgins. The public is invited.

In addition to staff at the sheriff’s office, representatives from the Virginia State Police, VMRC, U.S. Coast Guard Station-Milford Haven, and Virginia Wildlife Resources are expected to participate.

Law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2023 will be recognized, said the release, and a few pastors will be in attendance “delivering a message to our community and offering a prayer over our officers.”

Mathews residents who attend will be showing support for “our officers, staff and their families,” said a press release. They will also hear the latest statistics, vision and goals for the sheriff’s office.

Refreshments will be provided at the end.

Show further support for law enforcement

Community members are being asked to show further support of law enforcement during the week of May 12-18 by displaying a blue ribbon on their front door or mailbox or using blue light bulbs in exterior lights to show solidarity, said the release. The best “blue” display in the county will receive a prize.

There will also be a “Coffee with a Cop” on from 8-9 a.m. the following Tuesday, May 21, at Howard-Dooley Café on Buckley Hall Road so the community can engage with law enforcement to discuss concerns or get answers to any questions the public may have. Coffee with a Cop will be a repeat event throughout the year, said the release.

Finally, the sheriff’s office will host a National Night Out event on Tuesday, Aug. 6, on the MHS football field. It will consist of games, music and food and will allow law enforcement officers to build relationships with county youth and their families, said the release. The event has been partially funded by a local grant, and the sheriff’s office is seeking sponsorships from citizens or businesses to help fund the remainder of the event.

Anyone interested in helping sponsor the event should contact Sgt. Julianna Berry or Sgt. Bill Hargis at the Mathews County Sheriff’s Office, 10622 Buckley Hall Road, Mathews, or 804-725-7177.