11/06/2019—Veterans Day came a bit early to the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS) as a special ceremony was held to honor those with military service on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019.
Approximately 150 CDPS employees, family and friends gathered at CDPS headquarters near 6th and Kipling in Lakewood, to pay tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to ensure the freedom of our nation. Other CDPS employees stationed across the state logged on to watch the event as it was live-streamed online.
More than 275 employees of CDPS have served or are currently serving in the military, including veterans of every U.S. war since Vietnam and at least one recipient of a Purple Heart. CDPS Executive Director Stan Hilkey recognized military veterans in the crowd, and spoke of our reverence of those who have served during conflict and in peace.
“We calculate that our CDPS members have collectively contributed at least 2,500 years of military service to our country. It is an honor to recognize their extraordinary and noble contributions to the safety and security of our nation as members of the armed forces,” said Executive Director Hilkey.
In the week leading up to the ceremony, CDPS hosted a food/coat/toy drive for the Warrior’s Warehouse & Redistribution Center, a local non-profit organization that provides assistance to active duty military and veterans across Colorado. Additionally, CBI Grand Junction collected food items for Operation Interdependence on the Western Slope.
At today's event, CDPS presented boxes full of coats, toys and non-perishable Thanksgiving side dishes to Warrior's Warehouse to brighten the holidays for military families and veterans. Members of the CBI were strong contributors to the Warrior's Warehouse, as our offices in Lakewood, the Forensic Laboratory in Arvada and InstaCheck donated a number of items to this important community group.
CDPS would like to thank the Nighthawk Detachment from the Westminster High School Air Force Junior ROTC Program for presenting the colors and Emily Philip of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation for her performance of the National Anthem.