When I was elected sheriff I was blessed to start my tenure with many fine officers in my command. I have men and women who are proud of the office and proud of the services they provide.
After being in office now for several months I believe it is time to reward these officers by allowing them to honor the citizens of this county. To that end, I am forming an Honor Guard to be available 10 serve as flag bearers for various opening ceremonies, both government and private when requested. This Honor Guard will also be available for funerals and memorials for fallen officers, retired officers, and former or current elected officials from state. county and municipal government.
I know from personal experience the importance of the duties of an Honor Guard. To be chosen to serve on an Honor Guard is one of the highest forms of recognition an officer can receive. There are many hours of unpaid training that go into this assignment and many hours of unpaid service that these men and women will give to perform their duties.
When I decided to form this unit I wanted to do it without placing a burden on the taxpayers of the county. I want to raise money through donations from individuals and businesses such as you.
It will cost approximately S600 to outfit a member of the Honor Guard. There will be nine members of this unit and in addition to uniforms, there will be other costs we will incur at start up and then to maintain the unit in the years to come.
I am asking you to help us if you can with a monetary donation that will be used exclusively for the Honor Guard unit. If you feel you can do this please make out a check to the Bladen County Sheriffs Office and on the memo portion of your check please put “Honor Guard Donation.”
I feel blessed to be your sheriff and serve you. Whether you do or do not participate in this endeavor will never change my commitment to you to be the best Sheriff and public official I can be.
Sincerely,
James A. McVicker
Bladen County sheriff