"Our mission is simple - we want all Law Enforcement Officers to be honored for their service to a grateful nation. We strive to ensure that every great American, who served their country and community in the Law Enforcement profession be remembered and respected publicly."The thin blue line is the internationally recognized symbol of the law enforcement profession. "The blue line represents each of us who daily protect this nation. The black background was designed as a constant reminder of our fallen brother and sister officers."
Bobby Mathieson is that thin blue line.
Bobby first started working for the Virginia Beach Police Department at the tender age of 19. He worked the streets handling vice and narcotics, was a school resource officer, worked community relations, and served on various policy councils involved with maintaining police resource officers in VB's middle and high schools. Bobby became a Master police officer with the Virginia Beach Police Department and later President of the Virginia Beach Police Benevolent Association (PBA). The largest organization for front-line police officers in Virginia Beach, the PBA meets with elected and city officials to let them know what is needed to fight crime in Virginia Beach. They also make policy decisions based upon what is best for the cop on the street who's taking all the risks.
Bobby was appointed by both Governor Mark Warner and Governor Tim Kaine to serve as Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Criminal Justice Services with a budget of over $300 million and 400 employees. While serving at DCJS, Bobby also served in additional roles:
* As a member of the Commonwealth Preparedness Working Group, he was responsible for formulation of the Commonwealth's policies and operational issues regarding homeland security.
* As a member of the Governor's Task Force on Preventing Crime in Virginia's Minority Communities
* As a member of the Virginia State Crime Commission Sex Offender Task Force, which recommended some of the most sweeping changes to toughen Virginia's sex offender laws.
Bobby is also a former Treasurer of the Virginia Coalition of Police and Deputy Sheriffs and a former Executive Vice President of the International Union of Police Associations. He has picked up the endorsements of not only these front line agencies but also the Metropolitan Airports Police Association, the Virginia Beach Police Supervisors Associations and the Virginia Professional Firefighters.
Bobby along with fellow House candidate Joe Bouchard, were hailed in recent statements by Governor Tim Kaine as being critical to his efforts to keep Virginia communities safe by supporting public safety programs. "Joe and Bobby understand the public safety and security challenges facing the Commonwealth, because they've seen it every day," Kaine said. "They will come to Richmond with the kind of public safety experience that Republicans, Democrats and Independents will all rely on."
Thus when John Welch attacked Bobby Mathieson for his service, he insulted everyone who has ever carried a badge and put their lives on the line to protect and serve our community. "Blaming a cop for the death of a fellow officer is never okay. But when it's done dishonestly for political gain, it's disgusting. Shame on you, John Welch", states retired Virginia Beach Police Lieutenant Dan Kappers.
John Welch is a low as they come. He must be run out of office. For Bobby Mathieson is the Thin Blue Line in Virginia, and John Welch crossed that line.