Author: Clyde Roper, Communications Officer
Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed the week of May 6-12, 2018 to be Employee Recognition Week and May 9 as Employee Appreciation Day in North Carolina. To show appreciation for their hard work and dedication, employees have been spotlighted on social media all week long. Throughout the week, managers in the DPS family have personally hosted numerous ice cream socials, pizza parties and employee appreciation luncheons.
“We’ve come through a year that was filled with victories, challenges and tragedies. It is always reassuring to know that North Carolinians can count on all of us regardless of what we face,” Department of Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks said in a letter of thanks to department employees.
“From law enforcement to corrections, emergency management, homeland security and administration, DPS employees continue to be selfless in their attitudes and actions; they are team players, valuable ambassadors, pro-active, honorable as well as brave. Such commitment requires courage and it defies difficulties and distractions. We’re proud to work alongside such true public servants.”
Governor Cooper also proclaimed May to be Law Enforcement Officers Month and May 3 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. Law enforcement officials, community leaders and others gathered to honor fallen law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty at the Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony at Peace Church in Wilson on May 3. Secretary Hooks read the Governor’s proclamation to those in attendance.
DPS Interim Chief Deputy Secretary Reuben F. Young provided remarks at the solemn event. He stressed that words alone would not suffice to honor the memory of the fallen.
“We must honor our fallen heroes by doing more than just attending a memorial service,” said Judge Young. “We can no longer expect our law enforcement officers to be social workers, psychiatrists, medical providers and protectors, while we pay them less than they deserve. We must assume responsibility for our own safety by providing better pay, better training and better equipment for those who sacrifice so much.”