Liberty University honors local law enforcement: ‘You are doing God’s work’

On Oct. 22, dozens of law enforcement officials from Central Virginia gathered at Liberty University for the fourth annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Lunch, hosted by the Helms School of Government and School of Law. The luncheon expressed gratitude for local law enforcement and honored the 20th anniversary of both respective schools.

The two-hour luncheon, held in the School of Law’s Mountain View Room, welcomed representatives from the Altavista Police Department, Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority, Bedford County Sheriff’s Office, Roanoke County Police Department, Lynchburg Police Department, and 20 other agencies.

The event featured a special message from Helms School Dean Major Gen. USMC (Ret.) Jason Q. Bohm, who reminded listeners that careers in law enforcement are a higher, sacred calling.

“Ladies and gentlemen, your duty and your service has not gone unnoticed,” he said. “In my humble opinion, you are doing God’s work.”

“It really is right and fitting that we pause our busy schedules to recognize the service and sacrifice of our stellar law enforcement community,” Bohm added. “It’s a community of men and women who answer a higher calling to selflessly serve others, to protect those who cannot defend themselves. … Yet, these brave men and women willingly approach each new day with enthusiasm and with a dedication and a commitment to always place others above self.”

Bohm drew inspiration from Isaiah 1:17 and Matthew 25:40, verses that emphasize seeking justice, defending the oppressed, and serving the “least of these” as unto the Lord.

“Our law enforcement community knows this duty well, and you’re doing right by our society every day,” Bohm told them. “And you do it with no thought of recognition, of promotion, or reward. So, it’s my distinct honor today to recognize all law enforcement officials.”

Bohm also extended thanks to the families of law enforcement and the many personnel who assist officers in the field.

“Let us not forget about the administrators, the range details, the armorers, the dispatchers,” he said, “All those personnel who tirelessly work behind the scenes in order to support a cop on the beat. Their service is just as valuable in protecting all of us.”

Special guest speakers from previous Law Enforcement Appreciation events have included Liberty Softball Head Coach and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Dot Richardson last year and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares in 2022.

Liberty has a longstanding commitment to support law enforcement and first responders. In addition to special events, Liberty is proud to offer police, firefighters, EMS, and other first responders tuition discounts through its online programs for the contributions and impact they make on their communities.

Many criminal justice students and graduates have earned internships and jobs at the local agencies represented on Tuesday. These firms were recognized with certificates of appreciation for welcoming current and former Liberty students to join their ranks.

“At Liberty, we are so thankful for you and for what you do to protect us in a way that allows us to live our lives faithfully unto the Lord,” said Dr. Timothy Todd, interim dean of Liberty Law. “We’re thankful to continue to partner with you in training excellent men and women to join the noble ranks of law enforcement.”

High school seniors from Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy, in Moneta, Va., toured Liberty’s campus before expressing their appreciation at Tuesday’s event. The high school is represented each year to demonstrate youth support.

Senior Emma Ervin, 17, who plans on attending Liberty next year, reminded attendees that law enforcement officials still have tremendous encouragement, despite the criticism they may receive, and life would not be safe without their contributions to society.

“Our country needs more people like yourselves who will step up when they recognize a need and fill it,” she said. “We all spend so much time in prayer trying to figure out God’s calling on our lives. Whatever that might be, I hope to do it to the best of my ability in the same way that each of you has. I hope to have the ability to love what I do even when the outside world might hate me for it.”