The Founder & Chairman of “The Wounded Blue” non-profit arrived in Erie on Tuesday.
He was in town to honor U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and former Erie Police Officer, Richard “R.J.” Williams.
The mission of “The Wounded Blue” is to improve the lives of injured and disabled Police Officers.
The non-profit provides support, education and legislative advocacy.
Williams received a plaque and the Blue Medal.
It’s the non-profit’s version of the Purple Heart.
Richard Williams was an Erie Police Officer for 19 years, when everything changed in 1987.
He was working security for a major event with his Canine, when he was struck on the head with a large, heavy object.
Richard Williams never worked again.
Richard is an inpatient at the Erie V.A. Medical Center where the ceremony took place and his message remains clear.
He told Erie News Now, “I encourage young men and women to sign-up for Police duty and make a difference.”
Randy Sutton served as a Police officer for 34 years.
His career ended with he suffered a stroke on the job working in Las Vegas.
His department abandoned him and that sparked his desire to help fellow officers in the same position.
Nine years later, “The Wounded Blue” is a national success.
“It was an honor to be in Erie today to honor and recognize the service and sacrifice of Mr. Richard Williams,” Sutton told Erie News Now.
Richard’s brother also served in the U.S. Marine Corps. His father is a WWII Veteran.