Season’s greetings from our family to yours!

As we spend the holidays with our families, thousands of correctional employees, deputy sheriffs, police officers, military personnel, and other first responders throughout the nation will miss celebrating with their loved ones. Their sacrifice and service to our communities allows us to enjoy the holidays in peace.

There will be those on duty, protecting our neighborhoods and streets, responding to fires and medical emergencies all while fulfilling their responsibility to keep the public safe. Correction officers and deputies will be guarding our prisons and jails and 911 dispatchers will be at their consoles fielding emergency calls. Our military will be on foreign soil, in the skies and on the seas protecting our great nation.

 Statistically, the Christmas and New Year season is one of the busiest and most dangerous times for law enforcement. During some shifts, there is no such thing as taking a break between calls for service. Unfortunately, holidays can also be a grueling time for those suffering from depression and stress. We, too, face higher instances of posttraumatic stress disorder and other work-related mental fatigue. We must remember that we are not super human and should not be discouraged from seeking help from available resources provided for us.

Let us also not forget all our fallen brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice. Sadly, it has been a tough year for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office with the recent and tragic deaths of Deputies Luis Paez, Ralph Waller and Dan Diaz. I ask each of you to take a moment during the holiday rush to keep Luis, Ralph and Dan and their loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.  Their deaths have reminded everyone that life is very precious and so very short. 

Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season and a healthy and prosperous year to come. Thank you for all that you do.

Fraternally,

Luis “Lou” Blasco
President