OCEANFRONT — Gov. Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne Youngkin joined this year’s Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony in Virginia Beach, gathering at the Oceanfront with public safety personnel to remember the sacrifice of people who died while keeping our communities safe.
Before the memorial began, the governor greeted a number of officers. “I just want you to know how much we value what you do every day,” he said.
The governor joined Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer, Sheriff Ken Stolle and Police Chief Paul Neudigate in speaking during the ceremony on Wednesday, May 17, at the Law Enforcement Monument at the Boardwalk. The ceremony was held during National Police Week and shortly after Peace Officers Memorial Day, Monday, May 15.
“Today we’re honored to be joined … in the sacred tradition to recognize those who have fallen in the line of duty,” Youngkin said. “To the families and friends of those fallen heroes, thank you for joining us today. Thank you for sharing the stories of our heroes.
“To the men and women who stand around us, who stand strong in front of danger, who run to danger while we run away from it, I want to thank you. I want to thank you for your commitment. I want to thank you for the way you perform your duty with honor. Most importantly, I want to thank you for loving Virginia Beach.”
Dyer praised the service of law enforcement personnel during his remarks, in which he also recognized the families of the people sworn to such service.
“Our communities must be safe and protected if we are to exercise our rights and our freedoms,” he said. “Being a police officer is a calling that few can answer. It requires dedication, selflessness, courage, intelligence, and a continued commitment to protect the public regardless of the barriers and hurdles. Law enforcement officers are never off duty, and [they] believe in their place to protect our community day and night.”
“National Police Week provides us an opportunity to honor, to never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said, noting his pride that VBPD is represented in the Washington ceremony each year. “It hurts a little more, as this year we add the name of one of own to the memorial wall in D.C. – Master Police Officer David Nieves.”
Nieves died of medical complications in February 2022. Later, his was among the names read during the ceremony, among 19 losses of law enforcement personnel in our community dating back to 1898. “Knowing the legacy these officers have left behind,” Neudigate said, “the men and women of the Virginia Beach Police Department proudly don their badges every day and go out into the streets to stand watch and protect us from the evil that exists.”
This city appreciates its officers every day, he said.
Stolle, in his remarks, thanked all for their service, and he thanked the governor for visiting the city to be part of the memorial service.
“Today we come together as a family to honor the law enforcement officers who have fallen … those law enforcement officers have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our community,” the sheriff said, adding his thanks for the families of those who have been lost.
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