Weld County Hoping to Honor Sam Brownlee; But Will State Let Them?

There are many ways to honor those who have protected freedoms and our towns. However, Weld County officials may be denied the ability due to a government loophole.

According to Denver Channel 7, the Weld County Sheriff's Department would like to honor Weld County Deputy Sam Brownlee, who was killed in the line of duty in 2010.

When the state made a commemorative license plate in his honor, officials believed they could put the plate on cars to display they are thinking of Brownlee on a daily basis.

However, the state of Colorado may not allow it.

State law says that any government vehicle is not allowed to have a specialty plate because the chance exists that it could lose the tax exempt status it holds.

Weld County officials, along with Brownlee's family, haven't given up in their fight to get the plates allowed on the vehicles. Heather Tharp, who is Brownlee's widow, will be at the State Capitol next week to try to change the decision.

The ultimate goal is for the department to keep the tax exempt status but be allowed to keep the plates on the vehicles.

If you would like to get the plate and show your support for those who protect our freedoms each day, you must make a $50 donation to the Colorado Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors. This is an organization that provides services for survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Show your support for the Weld County Sheriff's Department in hopes that they can keep these license plates on their vehicles. The memory of Sam Brownlee should continue for generations to come, and every little bit we can do will make that happen.