PANAMA CITY — They do this every year, but this time the Bay County Sheriff’s Office wants to do it big, so the community is invited to the annual Awards and Memorial Ceremony at Tommy Oliver Stadium.
The event will pay tribute to the officers and deputies who have been killed in the line of duty, and publically recognize the BCSO deputies who in 2012 demonstrated outstanding performance.
“This year it will be special because it will be the 100th anniversary of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office as well,” BCSO spokeswoman Ruth Corley said.
As part of the BCSO’s celebration of its first 100 years, photos and information on the 16 men who have been this county’s sheriff will be on display at the event. The special units of the sheriff’s office—like the SWAT, K-9 and bomb squad units—will also be there with their vehicles and equipment on display.
Panama City Beach Police Chief Drew Whitman will be one of those in attendance next week.
“[McKeithen] always does a good job on it,” he said of the annual event.
Army Brigadier General Mark McQueen, Commander 350th Civil Affairs Command in Pensacola, will be a special speaker at the event. According to a Department of Defense press release earlier this month, President Barack Obama nominated McQueen to the rank of Major General.
Refreshments will be available after the ceremony. Attendees are asked to enter the stadium on the south side and sit on the “home” (south) side.
IF YOU GO
What: Bay County Sheriff’s Office’s 100th Anniversary Celebration and Awards and Memorial Ceremony
Where: Tommy Oliver Stadium
When: Wednesday at 9 a.m.
