Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal stood on the steps of the Sheriff’s Office in Franklinton on Monday morning and declared that “blue lives matter.”

Seal spoke as part of Monday’s “Statewide Day of Prayer for Law Enforcement.” Simultaneous prayer services by law enforcement offices were held throughout the state.

“Nine law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty in Louisiana this year. One is too many,” Seal said. “Nine is unacceptable. We are gathered here this morning to honor their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families.”

Seal referred to Scripture in his remarks.

“God did not create people to be murdered by each other,” he said. “He created each of us in His image and He created each life as sacred. It is only when we acknowledge the sacredness of each life that senseless violence against persons will cease.”

Seal said humanity must ask God for protection from the evils of the world.

“The only hope society has is the blessed hope give to us by God through His Son,” Seal said. “It is our duty as a Christian nation to constantly petition our Savior for hope, for peace, for comfort, for understanding and for protection.”

Seal said prayer helps protect law enforcement personnel and their families.

“God is always near to hear our prayers,” Seal said. “Psalms 145:18 reminds us ‘The Lord is close to all who call on Him.’ The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6 that we should pray about everything and should make our requests known only to God.

“The most recognizable scripture about prayer is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. ‘If any people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.’”

Chief Deputy Mike Haley offered a prayer for law enforcement after Seal finished his remarks.

Blue Lives Matter is in response to the Black Lives Matter phenomenon spreading in some parts of the country. Some in society view the Black Lives Matter movement as anti-police.

“’Black Lives Matter’ is a phrase that has been coined,” Seal said. “Law enforcement is known for its blue lights, so that is where that term came from. I hope that I would never have to go to the home of a spouse to let them know their husband or wife lost their life in the line of duty.”