An open letter to the citizens of Boone County, Kentucky:
I’ve been a part of the Boone County Sheriff’s Office since 1982 and it’s been my observations whenever there are turmoil surrounding law enforcement many of you take the time and effort to let us know you support our department.
Such is the case last week with the unprovoked murders of five Dallas police officers by a lone gunman. You recognized we were hurting. You understood that even though we probably didn’t know any of the slain or injured officers, they are our brothers & sisters united by the thin blue line that is law enforcement.
You showed us you care by approaching our deputies on patrol and you told them, face-to-face, how much you appreciate them for the jobs they do. You telephoned in to tell us you support us. You emailed us. You stopped by the office with food and snacks. Some of you quietly paid for a deputy’s meal at a restaurant. The list goes on and on.
It is those acts of kindness and support that helps us cope with the mourning of fallen comrades and the uncertainties of what lies ahead. It is reassuring to know the people of Boone County have our best interest at heart. Words escape me but you have to know how much that support means to us.
We will keep our emotions in check and continue to provide the services we’ve been trained to do. We will do our best to keep you safe and to earn your respect. And, we will stand strong knowing you stand behind us.
So, on behalf of my entire staff; thank you!
Michael A. Helmig, Sheriff
Sheriff Michael Helmig was appointed to the post in 1997 and was elected to his first term in November of that year.