Reno Reporter

Last week, Bethel AME Church joined forces with local law enforcement to recognize National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. 

The two groups, along with thousands of supporters, see the day as being important, especially with the increased scrutiny and animosity that has been directed at law enforcement around the country in recent years. 

"(Law enforcement is) part of our community," Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve said, KOLO reported. "It’s really important that we understand how tough their jobs are just protecting us day in and day out."

Schieve wasn't alone in her efforts to recognize law enforcement on the designated day. Members of Bethel AME Church invited law enforcement to their service Jan. 9 to convey a message of support. 

"Most often we deal with people who are not happy to see us," Stephen Goodrum of the Sparks Police Department said. "To hear that gratitude and appreciation was very refreshing."

During the service, pastor Debra Whitlock Lax spoke. 

"Both Reno and Sparks have been tremendous partners with us to connect in with the community," Whitlock Lax said. "I felt this would be a fantastic time to say ‘yes! Thank you!’"

This year, National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was highly celebrated and encouraged, especially on the local level. 

Joining in on the recognition and appreciation was President Joe Biden.

’Today, on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Jill and I want to thank the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect and serve our communities," Biden tweeted. "Thank you for the sacrifices you and your families make to help keep Americans safe.’’

For Schieve, the day is also marked by taking action to provide law enforcement with additional resources to solve crimes. Schieve will allot $5 million to the Reno Police Department at the end of January to help them hire more officers and members of the unsolved homicides division, KOLO reported.