Williston Mayor Jerry Robinson honors city police officers as part of National Police Week. From the left are Chief Dennis Strow, Brooke Willis, Robinson, Clay Connolly, Jimmy Willis, Sr., K-9 Shadow, Rich Peters, Bryan Landis and Marquis Wright.

By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter

Williston Mayor Jerry Robinson honored officers of the Williston Police Department with a proclamation on May 7 in connection with National Police Week May 12-18.

            Robinson said the tradition of honoring police officers was begun by former President John F. Kennedy in 1962 when he proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day. The week of May 15 is National Police officers Week.

            Reading from a proclamation, Robinson said members of the Williston Police Department play a very important role in safeguarding the right and freedoms of the citizens of the community.

He said it is important for the citizens of Williston to understand the problems, duties and responsibilities of their police department, and that members of the department recognize their duty to serve the people by safeguarding life and property, protecting them against violence and disorder and protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression or intimidation.

            “Whereas, the Williston Police Department has grown to be a modern and scientific law enforcement agency which increasingly provides a vital public service;

            “Therefore, as Mayor the City of Williston, Florida I call upon all patriotic, civic and educational organizations to observe the week of May 12-May 18 as Police Week and in which all our people join in commemorating law enforcement officers past and present, who by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities have rendered a dedicated service to the Williston Florida community, and in doing so have established for themselves an enviable and enduring reputation for preserving the right and security of all our residents,” Robinson said.

            Robinson called upon all residents of Williston to remember the contributions of the city police department who through their courageous deeds have made the ultimate sacrifice to their community in the performance of duty. He called upon residents to recognize and pay respect to the survivors of the fallen heroes who sacrifices their lives protecting the community.

City of Williston Regular Meeting May 7, 2019; Posted May 18, 2019