By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter

                The “thin blue line” is a term that often refers to law enforcement as the line which keeps society from descending into violent chaos.

            Levy County Commissioners Tuesday gathered in front of the Levy County Courthouse to unveil their own blue line on Court Street honoring local law enforcement.

            “This is just a small gesture of what the blue line is all about. We thought what better place to do this than in front of our courthouse to show that in Levy County we do respect the letter of the law and we respect our law enforcement officers and they do a fantastic job,” said Commission Chairman John Meeks.

            Sheriff Bobby McCallum, chief law enforcement officer of Levy County, thanked commissioners for honoring not only the Levy County Sheriff’s Office, its deputies and personnel, but all local police departments and law enforcement in such a respectful manner.

            “Obviously we all know what we’ve been through in 2020. Hopefully, 2021 will be better and safer for us in this country and especially in this county. I’m just thankful to the commission for remembering us. It was a surprise to me when I was contacted by Chairman Meeks about this. I think it’s a very humble and nice way to honor all my personnel at the Levy County Sheriffs’ office,” McCallum said.

            McCallum recognized his sworn personnel, sheriff’s deputies who often deal with dangerous situations day and night, as well as his correctional officers who keep watch over 100 to 160 inmates and tend to their needs on a daily basis for their contributions to protecting Levy County society.

            Commissioner Mike Joyner, a career law enforcement officer thanked law enforcement for everything they do.

            “My prayers are with them every day,” Joyner said. “I absolutely know what they’re going through and how I so much miss it. Thank you for everything.”

            Commissioner Matt Brooks, who was chairman when the blue line was painted in front of the Levy County Courthouse, said the county has definitely come through a tough year.

            “Glad we could do this small tribute,” he said.

            During Brooks’ term as chairman, a blue ribbon was also attached to the black theater curtain behind the board’s dais, the desk commissioners use for their meetings, serving as another reminder of the importance of law enforcement in preserving peace in Levy County.

            “I think it’s very apparent this board loves our local law enforcement and our sheriff’s office and appreciates what you do day in and day out to keep us safe. You go places and do things that none of the rest of us has to do or want to do. We appreciate that, we know it and we keep you in our prayers,” Brooks said.

—————–

Board of County Commission Regular Meeting January 5, 2021; Posted January 5, 2021