FLEMING ISLAND – Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody was at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday to mark National Police Memorial Week, recognize the county’s private Signal 35 initiative and highlight the success of the state’s Be a Florida Hero program.

The state’s top law enforcement officer proudly asserted that no other state embraces the work and sacrifices made by law enforcement more than Florida.

“This week, our entire nation is recognizing National Police Week,” she said. “And this is a time for us to come together as a country, as a state within our communities to reflect upon the sacrifices of the brave men and women who answered the call to serve as a law enforcement officer, a peace officer, which indeed is the assurance of a free people under the rule of law, when there are men and women that are willing to put on that badge and serve as law enforcement officers. This week is a time to honor that selflessness, bravery, and commitment to protect and serve our communities every day.

“Our officers stand ready to confront danger, enforce the rule of law and safeguard our freedoms. They embody the very best of society. They face dangers that most of us cannot comprehend. And they shoulder burdens that few of us are willing to bear.”

Moody’s appearance followed the county’s Police Memorial Ceremony on May 9 at Moosehaven. National Police Week is observed from May 12-18.

Moody talked of the nine law enforcement officers in Clay County who died in the line of duty, starting with Sheriff Joseph Peeler in 1894, who was shot at the train station in Green Cove Springs while trying to break up a fight. Two other deputies and Green Cove Springs Police Chief Derek Asdot also died of COVID-related complications.

“This week is a time to honor that selflessness, bravery and commitment to protect and serve our communities every day. And we remember specifically those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, those whose courage will never be forgotten. And just to put into perspective what living under the rule of law means with the assurance that there are men and women of integrity who can enforce those laws. Since the founding of our nation, over 26,000 law enforcement officers have lost their lives in the line of duty. Here in the state of Florida. We’ve lost 950 officers.”

The Signal 35 program, a privately funded initiative that helps first responders in need, received acclaim from the Florida Cabinet. Moody delivered a proclamation signed by every cabinet member and Gov. Ron DeSantis recognizing the work of the nonprofit.

“Many states and cities across the nation were facing community groups that didn’t have their back that were doing everything vocally and otherwise to undermine law enforcement that were showing up daily to criticize law enforcement,” Moody said. This is not the case here in Florida, which I will routinely say is the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation. Hands down.”

Moody also said the Be a Florida Hero program has been a success. Since unveiling the program to attract new law enforcement officers,  more than 5,000 have been hired in two years – and 1,200 have come from out of state, including new hires Clay County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Jacob Gann from Wyoming, Matthew Swartz from New York, Colton Harris from California and Virgil and Hutton from Utah who attended the presentation.

“I’m a little partial. We are so blessed to work and live here in Clay County,” Cook said. “Clay does lead the way when it comes to supporting law enforcement, the men and women who wear these uniforms, the deputies who go out every single day and put their lives on the line. We will continue to keep Clay County safe. We will continue to keep Florida safe.”