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PLEASANT GROVE — Every 54 hours, an American law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty. On Friday, Pleasant Grove will air the Utah premier of a documentary that helps people better understand that sacrifice.
On Jan. 30, Utah County Sheriff's Sgt. Cory Wride was killed in the line of duty and Deputy Greg Sherwood survived a bullet wound to the head. The documentary being released by Pleasant Grove is called "Heroes Behind the Badge," and the timing is just right for Utah County.
The documentary shares the personal stories of law enforcement officers injured in the line of duty who lived to tell the tale and those who did not. Pleasant Grove Police Chief Mike Smith said the documentary vividly portray the dangers they face.
"Each day they leave their house and kiss their loved one and their children goodbye, it could be the last," Smith said. "It's a day that I dread to have one of my own officers lose their life."
To hear the stories of men and women killed or injured in the line of duty deeply touches those who wear the badge. Johnny Revill is Sgt. Wride's brother-in-law, and he said that their family has felt love and concern from across the country and in Utah. Those individuals are starting a foundation to promote officer safety.
"If Cory's car would've had a bulletproof windshield, he'd still be here with us today," Revill said. "So we focused on that."
The Wride family is exploring cost-effective solutions and wants to help law enforcement officers who don't have the safety basics: bulletproof vests and adequate ammunition. Right now they have a petition at White House.org and will start a website soon.
"More than anything, let's just raise the awareness," Revill said.
The movie, "Heroes Behind the Badge," will be shown at Pleasant Grove High School Friday at 6:30 p.m.
