State Rep. Brian BeGole today hailed the thousands of courageous men and women in law enforcement serving their communities and fellow neighbors amidst a tragic string of officer deaths throughout the state.

Mohamed Said of the Melvindale Police Department was shot and killed on Sunday as he was pursuing a fleeing suspect. He was just 26 years old. Said is the third law enforcement officer in Michigan killed on duty in roughly a month. Oakland County Sheriff’s Deputy Brad Reckling was shot and killed on June 22 while pursuing a stolen car, and Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Deputy William Henry Butler Jr. was fatally shot on June 27 during a traffic stop.

“My heart and prayers go out to the families of these heroes,” said BeGole, of Antrim Township. “Their sacrifices must never be forgotten. Officer Said was born and raised in Melvindale and wanted to serve and protect his community in law enforcement. That’s a common theme for many officers. When we lose them, we lose integral parts of our community. We lose people who leave their families behind to help keep ours safe.

“I am absolutely heartbroken by these recent events. Sadly, hundreds of officer fatalities occur across our country each year. It is a tragic reminder of the dangers that every officer – including ones in Shiawassee, Genesee and Saginaw counties – face every day they put on the uniform. No one should take that for granted.”

Prior to being elected to the Michigan House, BeGole worked in law enforcement for 32 years, including six as Shiawassee County Sheriff. He also served as an executive board member of the Michigan Sheriffs Association and currently serves on the House Criminal Justice Committee.