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4-H students honor law enforcers


Kimberly Rubio

Assistant editor

Dozens of local and area law enforcement officials attended a law enforcement appreciation and prayer ceremony hosted last Friday by the 2018-2019 Uvalde County 4-H ambassadors.

The ceremony was held in the downtown square at noon. Uvalde County 4-H ambassadors are Brett Dreyer, Morgan Dreyer, Cayce Gaston, Colton Gaston, Kayleigh Griffin, Genesis Pilkington, Rebekah Ramirez, Koben Sanchez, Kyla Sanchez, Hannah Smith, Hope Smith, McCoy Smith and Kennedy Thompson.

Hannah Smith gave the welcome address.

“Often in today’s society, officers are not appreciated for their service,” Smith said. “Not today in Uvalde County. We are here today to commend these fine individuals who put their lives in danger [by] putting a shield over their chest and being our true heroes.”

Cayce Gaston gave the invocation, Kyla Sanchez recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America, Brett Dreyer recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the state flag of Texas, Hope Smith recited the 4-H motto and pledge and Morgan Dreyer recited a special prayer prepared for law enforcement officials.

“As you face the challenges of each new day, may God grant you the strength and wisdom you need. As you stand watch over our community to serve and protect, may God watch over and protect you,” Dreyer said. “As you put your life on the line and wonder if it is worth it, may you know that it is, and that you are appreciated more than you know. May God grant you and those you love peace and safety today and always.”

Genesis Pilkington handed out bags filled with Lifesavers candy. The bags read, “Thanks! You’re a real lifesaver.”

McCoy Smith recognized Gilbert De Leon, a former law enforcement officer who served 13 years as Uvalde chief of police.

Rebekah Ramirez recited the group’s definition of a hero.

“Our definition of a hero is someone who protects our world and continues to make it a better place, despite having to see its darkest aspects every day,” Ramirez said. “Our hero courageously puts on his or her badge each day and sacrifices more daily than most do in an entire lifetime. We see you. We appreciate you, and you truly are a hero.”

Koben Sanchez gave the benediction and Colton Gaston closed the ceremony by thanking those in attendance.

“We would like to thank you all for coming together as a community to appreciate our local law enforcement officers,” Gaston said.

krubio@ulnnow.com, 830-278-3335

Kimberly Rubio|Leader-NewsUvalde Police Department officers and family pray during a law enforcement appreciation and prayer ceremony hosted by Uvalde County 4-H ambassadors. The event was held Friday at noon in the downtown square.

Kimberly Rubio|Leader-NewsUvalde Police Department officers and family pray during a law enforcement appreciation and prayer ceremony hosted by Uvalde County 4-H ambassadors. The event was held Friday at noon in the downtown square.

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