FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2017
Contact: Sandi Poreda, APR
sandi@bulldogstrategygroup.com / 850.766.1906
ORLANDO, FL – The Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA) released the following statement from its president, Coconut Creek Police Chief Butch Arenal, in response to the deaths of Master Sgt. Debra Clayton of the Orlando Police Department and an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy this morning in the line of duty:
“Today is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, but instead of celebrating we are mourning. We have lost two members of our family and we are not just grieving; we are angry. Angry for the brokenness Master Sgt. Clayton’s and the deputy’s colleagues, family and friends are experiencing. Angry that another Orlando police officer has been gravely injured in this same situation. Angry that our profession is under attack. Angry that this violence is not only tearing apart communities but is also potentially keeping good men and women from joining the ranks of the protectors.
“As we convene Florida’s police chiefs in Orlando today for our winter training conference, our thoughts and prayers are with Chief John Mina, Sheriff Jerry Demings, all of the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the family of the officers who have fallen.
“We have seen far too many losses over the past months. Florida’s police officers put their lives on the line every single day to protect their communities. We implore our local, state and federal leaders to take a stand against the violence and we appreciate those who have already done so.”
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