BY MELANIE BUCK –
The Lea Memorial Dinner will be hosted on Tuesday, October 4th at the Ouachita Center on the campus of Rich Mountain Community College at 6:30 p.m. The Lea Memorial Dinner is a community event to honor the memory of Polk County Deputy Sheriff Bill Lea, who was killed in the line of duty on April 29, 1976. “With the negative attitude toward law enforcement in some regions of our country, this memorial dinner gives the citizens of our counties an opportunity to show local law enforcement that we respect and honor their service. The 40th anniversary of Bill Lea’s death marked a logical time to honor the service of past and present law enforcement officers. This memorial is a reminder that we need effective law enforcement to keep our communities safe.” 18th West Judicial Prosecuting Attorney Andy Riner said.
The event will feature a tribute to Bill Lea, and an inspirational speech by Bernie Mosley. Mosley is a K9 instructor at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in Camden who has worked in law enforcement since 1997. Mosley is an energetic instructor who is highly respected by his students. Mosley enjoys coaching fellow officers through tough times, and loves to remind officers that the vast majority of citizens love and respect law enforcement.
Citizens are invited to write law enforcement officers a supportive note or a card. These notes will be displayed on the banquet tables for law enforcement officers to read. “I think that handwritten notes from the public expressing their support will mean a lot to the officers. I know that my office keeps a scrapbook of every nice note and card we have received. It says a lot when someone takes the time to express their appreciation for what you do” Riner said.
Encouraging notes and cards should be sent to Lea Memorial, P.O. Box 856, Mena, AR 71953, or email LMLEA@outlook.com or contact Andy Riner.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.
More Stories
Montgomery and Polk County drug courts to receive funding award and naloxone kits
Judge urges residents to take the broadband challenge process
UARM offering eclipse views through the Science Club’s telescopes