SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Once a year the community gathers together to recognize the efforts of law enforcement officers on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and that day is today.
The day falls on Jan. 9 every year, and people show their appreciation in a variety of ways.
According to concernsofpolicesurvivors.org, some ways citizens can show their support are as follows:
• Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement.
• Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency.
• Share a story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media.
• Ask children in your community to write letters in support of law enforcement.
• Participate in Project Blue Light – Proudly display your blue light in support of law enforcement.
• Organize an event or a rally in support of your law enforcement officers.
• Advertise your support through local media outlets/billboards.
• Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency.
• Share a story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media.
• Ask children in your community to write letters in support of law enforcement.
• Participate in Project Blue Light – Proudly display your blue light in support of law enforcement.
• Organize an event or a rally in support of your law enforcement officers.
• Advertise your support through local media outlets/billboards.
• Post the public service announcement supplied by C.O.P.S. to your organization’s webpage or social media pages.
• Coordinate and/or participate in a Blue Blood Drive.
“It is great to be appreciated,” said Sylacauga Police Chief Kelley Johnson. “Although we would prefer it not just be on one given day, we still appreciate the thoughts and prayers that come with it.”
Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line for the safety of the community. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, there were 90 law enforcement officers killed in 2019. 48 of those lost their lives criminally, and 42 were accidental.
“Respect is not owed, but it is something that is earned,” said Johnson. “A lot of people do not know what we do and go through as law enforcement on a daily basis. Our job is not only to enforce the law. We are social workers, psychologists, and we wear a lot of hats.”
Several local businesses have already brought goodies such as donuts, fruit trays and drinks to the officers whether they have been on patrol or in the office, according to Johnson.
