During National Police Week, visitors from all over the country gathered in the nation’s capital to pay their respects to those who have laid down their lives while protecting others. President Joe Biden led the Peace Officers Memorial Day service, as many shared stories of selfless heroism from those wearing a badge. The Washington Examiner met several truckers who were united in their support of police.
“A police officer knows what they actually have to do every day to put that uniform on,” said Michael Starrett, a truck driver and former law enforcement officer. “They’re risking their life every second for Americans, even when they’re out of the house. I used to get hollered at when I was in uniform, at the store; we’re not even on [the] job. So they are my true heroes, my true honor.”
Starrett drives a decked-out truck to back the blue during his regular duties. When his routes allow for it, he also drives the truck to memorial services for officers.
“I also made sure the families know that their loved ones are not forgotten,” Starrett said.
Cully Frisard, the CEO of Frisard’s Trucking Company, is the man behind the idea of paying tribute to officers on the road. He said the idea came from a combination of his long family history in the Louisiana State Police force, and in 2017, he noticed an uptick in police officer killings, which included his own backyard of Baton Rouge.
“That really triggered me to start looking at ways to try to show our law enforcement officers throughout the country that they had some support,” Frisard said.
Frisard started an Officer of the Month Program, along with their Fallen Heroes Truck.
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“You compare the professions of law enforcement and trucking — they’re the same, you know,” Frisard said. “We are so needed within the country; trucking is needed to deliver our products across America, and law enforcement is needed for our safety and protection.”
The weeklong celebration included a conference for families of fallen officers dealing with grief. It’s a cause with a great need, according to Starrett, who finds purpose through his truck playing a small role in memorial services for families.