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WINTON – Today there are more than 800,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, including 25 sworn deputies in Hertford County who put their lives on the line every day.

To that end, the Hertford County Board of Commissioners approved a proclamation that recognizes January as Law Enforcement Appreciation Month. That proclamation was presented to Hertford County Sheriff Dexter Hayes at the Jan. 16 meeting of the county commissioners. Hayes is the 40^th individual to serve as Sheriff since Hertford County’s founding in 1759.

Through this proclamation, the Hertford County Board of Commissioners “make a visible statement that we strongly believe that it is our responsibility to serve, connect, and celebrate our law enforcement ad hereby proclaim January 2024 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Month in Hertford County.”

The proclamation urges the citizens of Hertford County to “participate to promote the importance of the service of law enforcement officers in our community and all communities across the nation, not only in this day, but throughout the year.”

“My first encounter with the Sheriff was a while back when he was younger and playing basketball with my boys. I could tell then he was a little different than others his age. He wasn’t rambunctious or rowdy. He has gone on to make a name for himself and his deputies,” noted Commissioner John Horton.

“On behalf of the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office and all law enforcement officers who serve our county and the local area, we thank ya’ll for acknowledging January as Law Enforcement Appreciation Month,” Hayes said as he accepted the framed proclamation.

“This means a lot,” Hayes continued. “We put our lives on the line every day while our families are at home worried if we’ll come home at night. It’s not about making money for what we do. We don’t get rich doing this job. Service is our passion; we care about people; we care about our community. Ours is not a 9-to-5 job, rather it’s 24-7.”

As a native of Hertford County, protecting lives and property within its borders means a lot to Hayes.
“I was born and raised here,” he stated. “I love Hertford County. I love serving its people. I feel so honored to accept this proclamation on behalf of the hard-working, dedicated men and women of the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office. We will continue to stand our post to protect and serve the citizens here.”