Coastal GA News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of National Police Week, Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) laid a wreath at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in honor of Ludowici’s former Police Chief, Francis “Frank” McClelland, Jr., who died in the line of duty in 2018. He was joined by officers from the Savannah Police Department.

Carter lays wreath in honor of Frank McClelland

This annual House Republican event, hosted by Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), recognizes the law enforcement officers, including Customs and Border Patrol Agents, who bravely and selflessly laid down their lives in service to their communities. Recently, 556 additional names were added to the memorial site, which now includes over 23,000 names of fallen officers dating back to 1786.

“On May 11, 2023  we remember these brave law enforcement officers not for how they died, but for how they lived. Frank McClelland was an Air Force veteran, devoted father and husband, and member of the First Baptist Church in Ludowici,” said Rep. Buddy Carter. “He mattered and deserves to be remembered and honored nationwide. Backing the blue is not a campaign slogan; it is a message to our police officers and border patrol agents that we see their sacrifice, their service, and understand the huge impact it has on our communities. Thank you for all that you do.”

"We want to pay tribute to the men and women who gave their lives to protect and serve. They may be gone, but we want to ensure they are never forgotten," said Speaker Kevin McCarthy. "Behind every name on this memorial is a story, a family, a community that has been changed forever. Each is worthy of being remembered."

Carter with officers from Savannah Police DepartmentMcClelland was killed by a drunk driver attempting to evade police on September 15, 2018. He was 69 years old.Read more about Chief McClelland here. 

Watch House Republicans’ Back the Blue press conference here.

Original source can be found here.