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Last updated on Friday, January 9, 2015
(UNDATED) - The National Fraternal Order of Police, Concerns of Police Officers (C.O.P.S.) and law enforcement associations across the nation are uniting today in support of law enforcement on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
Today, citizens are asked to show their support of our nation's law enforcement officers.
Support can be shown in many ways, such as wearing blue clothing, sending a card of support to your local department or state agency, sharing a positive story about an experience with law enforcement or asking children in the community to write letters of support of law enforcement. Another way is to participate in Project Blue Light by replacing your porch light with a blue bulb.
Blue light bulbs are available at locations such as Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot and Menards.
Fraternal Order of Police, Linton Lodge #105 President Paul Clark says, there's been a recent push for people to display their lights again because it's a tumultuous time to be in law enforcement. People are actively making threats toward offices on social media throughout the country. There are a lot of people who are protesting against law enforcement across the country.
"It's nice for people to show their support during these troubling times when so many people are speaking out against law enforcement," Clark said. "I don't believe that the public outcry across the country is something that affects us here locally in Greene County. I believe the Greene County community has always been very supportive of law enforcement and that is one of the biggest benefits of serving in this area."
Local officers say the national outcry against officers is disheartening, but local support is heartwarming.
"It renews your faith in the community and the people. It's refreshing to see that," he said. "It's humbling to drive through town on patrol and see blue lights on people's porches."
According to the C.O.P.S. website, between 105 and 203 officers die in the line of duty each year, 50,000 officers are assaulted in the line of duty each year, 14,000 officers are injured in the line of duty each year, and over 300 officers commit suicide each year. There is no other profession in the world, except possibly the military, where you will find these kinds of statistics.
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