Tribe recognizes officers for Law Enforcement Memorial Day
Friday - May 19, 2023 by Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Southern Ute Police Officer, Adrian Wauneka and K-9 detecting dog, Raven line up in front of their police unit ahead of the vehicle inspection performed by Southern Ute Tribal Council on Monday, May 15 in recognition of Law Enforcement Week. A traditional blessing of law enforcement personnel and patrol vehicles was also performed by Bear Dance Chief, Matthew Box.
Southern Ute Tribal Council member, Linda Baker stands alongside Justice and Regulatory Director, Chris Mimmack in expressing the Tribe’s gratitude to the dedication and sacrifices of Tribal law enforcement officers throughout the year. The dedication ceremony took place in front of the Casias Newton Justice Center, Monday, May 15 in recognition of Law Enforcement Week.
Southern Ute Tribal Council Member, Vanessa Torres thanks officers for their service and dedication to the Tribe.
Southern Ute Singers, Tyson Thompson, Clay Siebel and Ian Thompson performed the flag song during the Law Enforcement Memorial Day dedication.
Southern Ute Detention Officer, Dawn Adams helps to bring down the flags in recognition of Law Enforcement Memorial Day outside the Casias Newton Justice Center.
Justice and Regulatory Director, Chris Mimmack (left) stands alongside Southern Ute Tribal Chairman, Melvin J. Baker during the opening remarks – applauding the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line each day on behalf of the Tribe and this community.
The Tribe’s branches of law enforcement under Justice & Regulatory came together for the dedication ceremony — including the Southern Ute Police Department, Tribal Rangers, Dispatch, Victim Services, Division of Gaming and Detention Officers.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
Photo Credit: Jeremy Wade Shockley | The Southern Ute Drum
The Law Enforcement Memorial Day ceremony took place in front of the Casias Newton Justice Center in Ignacio, Monday, May 15, recognizing the dedicated service of the men and women who serve in law enforcement. The dedication ceremony included remarks from Justice and Regulatory Director, Chris Mimmack and the Southern Ute Tribal Council as well as a formal inspection of the officer’s vehicles. In 2023, so far there have been 40 officer line-of-duty deaths nationwide.