Rep. Diaz Calls On Arizona To Honor Law Enforcement With National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
By Matthew Holloway |
In a Monday press release, Arizona State Representative Lupe Diaz announced that he and his fellow House Republicans will honor the dedication and sacrifice of law enforcement officers across the state and nation on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, January 9th. Diaz and the House GOP are inviting all Arizonans to join them.
In the release Diaz said, “In a time when some mismanaged cities and misguided politicians are still pushing to defund law enforcement, Arizona House Republicans stand firmly and proudly with our law enforcement professionals.”
“We deeply appreciate – and will continue to support – the brave men and women who work to protect our families and maintain public safety in our communities.”
The release explained that on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day the legislators are leading an effort to bring forth a visible and tangible expression of Arizona’s support for its Law Enforcement Community with the public encouraged to “show their support by thanking an officer, wearing blue, or sharing messages of appreciation on social media using the #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay hashtag.”
As reported by The Officer Down Memorial Page, four Law Enforcement Officers lost their lives in the line of duty in 2024:
- Officer Zane Tristan Coolidge, 29, of the Phoenix Police Department was shot and killed by a fleeing felon with multiple convictions on September 6th
- Detective Ryan So, 38, of the Scottsdale Police Department lost his life in a tragic accidental discharge on June 13th
- Gila River Tribal Police Officer Joshua Briese, 24, was shot and killed responding to a disturbance call on June 1st. He was still in field training.
- Tucson Police Lead Officer Adam Buckner, 31, was struck and killed in a vehicle collision while responding to a call for service on March 31st.
Through the Arizona State Troopers Association (ASTA), those wishing to show their support can also purchase post cards for officers they wish to thank and appreciate. On the organization’s website, the ASTA says, “Hands down the biggest compliment you can give is to let the officer’s supervisor know that you appreciated whatever the officer did. (The best way is a written note to the chief executive). Why? Because police officers rarely are ever thanked or told that they did a great job.”
The State Troopers Association also recommended penning a letter to the editor of your local newspaper thanking officers for their community dedication and/or putting together a treat of cookies or a dozen doughnuts from your local bakery and leaving them with the department with a thank you card.
Representative Diaz represents the 19th Legislative District and chairs the House Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.