As we do our best to celebrate the holidays—as safely as we can—it’s a good time to look back and see where we’ve come, despite 2020 being one of the most challenging years in our history, and renew our hope for the new year in our country and here in Volusia County.
Looking back over these months, I’m reminded of how grateful I am for the men and women in the Volusia Sheriff’s Office who are committed to protecting the safety of all, no matter the cost. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Yes, we have endured crisis upon crisis this year. But thankfully, we are seeing the arrival of vaccines that hopefully will help us stem the global pandemic in 2021 and help our world begin much-needed recovery.
Even as the storms continue, you might want to stop and think about what you’re most grateful for. Go a step further: Tell the people who matter most to you.
Here are a few things I am grateful for, in no particular order:
These are not easy days to be in law enforcement. We have the best law enforcement officers and staff in the country right here in Volusia County, and they deserve every bit of support and gratitude we can give them. Volusia County’s crime rate dropped again in 2020, proof that their hard work is paying off. We have to keep striving, but I couldn’t be more proud of the incredible work our people have done to make huge improvements in fighting crime in our community.
I want each of you to know how proud you should be of the deputies and police you have patrolling your streets and protecting your neighborhoods.
May God bless each of you, your friends and families, and our great nation.
Best wishes for a healthy,
happy 2021,
Sheriff Mike Chitwood