Dear Editor:
Every day thousands of South Carolina law enforcement officers go to work to serve and protect the citizens of our great State of South Carolina.  We are so accustomed to having them on duty in our communities that sometimes we neglect to adequately thank them.
​In 2015, three South Carolina officers paid the ultimate sacrifice and died in the line of duty.  The number of South Carolina law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty stands at approximately 335.  
​Concerns of Police Survivors (www.nationalcops.org) is a national organization of surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.  National C.O.P.S. has designated Saturday, January 9, 2016, as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
​All across the country, citizens will be expressing their gratitude and appreciation for the selfless service of law enforcement officers in a variety of ways.  Carolina C.O.P.S., the South Carolina Chapter of C.O.P.S., is asking the citizens of South Carolina to join in this recognition by writing a note of appreciation to their local law enforcement agencies, baking cookies/muffins to take to these agencies, wearing blue clothing, and/or displaying blue lights at their home or business on January 9, or simply by thanking any officer you meet.
​I urge you to join us in making this a day to show these public servants that they are an invaluable asset to our communities and state, and that we appreciate the sacrifice of time away from their families as well as the daily risk they take in performing their duties.
Lois Rao
President, Carolina C.O.P.S.
Surviving Mother of SCHP Senior Trooper Michael J. Rao
End of Watch June 12, 2002