ROCK SPRINGS – It seems like every time you check the news there are stories of unrest and violence between the public and law enforcement. On Tuesday, Rock Springs Mayor Carl Demshar proclaimed Jan. 9 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

Before reading the proclamation, Rock Springs Mayor Carl Demshar said the proclamation was in response to all the negative attention around law enforcement. Newly appointed Rock Springs Police Chief Dwane Pacheco thanked the mayor for the proclamation and said locally they are lucky because they do not encounter the issues being seen in other places.

“We appreciate you’re making this proclamation. As you said, on the national scene there has been some negative flow towards law enforcement,” Pacheco said. “Luckily we live in Wyoming where we have strong support for our police force.”

The proclamation is asking that on Friday, residents thank, write letters of support or wear blue clothing to show appreciation for local law enforcement.

The proclamations says “Whereas, there are approximately 780,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, including the dedicated members of the Rock Springs Police Department; and whereas, nearly 50,000 assaults against law enforcement officers are reported each year, resulting in approximately 14,000 injuries; and whereas, between 105 and 203 officers die in the line of duty each year, whereas, in light of recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally, there is a need to show law enforcement officers that our citizens recognize the difficult and sometimes impossible career they have chosen, in public service to us all.

“Whereas, January 9, 2015, is hereby designated as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.); Now, therefore, I Carl R. Demshar, Jr., Mayor, do hereby encourage all citizens of Rock Springs to salute the service of law enforcement officers in our community by publicly thanking a police officer or sending a card of support and wearing blue clothing to promote National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.”