The City of Gary will participate in National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Friday, January 9, 2015 in partnership with the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), C.O.P.S. and law enforcement associations across the country.
“We know that our Gary police officers place their lives on the line every day for us,” said Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson. “It is important that we, as civilians, participate in Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, so they will know that their service and protection are not taken for granted.”
Freeman-Wilson will attend each of the police roll calls Friday to address the officers personally at the Public Safety Facility, 555 Polk St. at 7:50a.m., 3:50p.m. and 11:50p.m.
Citizens are encouraged to take time on Friday, January 9th to show their support in one or more of the following ways:
Change your profile picture on social media to an image or saying that salutes law enforcement
See a police officer? Thank a police officer
Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement
Send a card of support to your local police department
Share a positive story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media
Shine a blue light from your home or business
“On average, 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,” said National FOP Secretary, Patrick Yoes. “There is no other profession in the world, except possibly the military, where you will find these kinds of statistics.”
Partnering organizations welcome media outlets to cover this nationwide campaign in support of law enforcement. Leaders from all of the supporting agencies will make themselves available for interviews on the morning of January 9. Contact Sara Slone at the National C.O.P.S. office to set up these interviews at (573) 346-4911.
Please also see this link to a PSA you can also feel free to post or send to family, friends and colleagues: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK-0UvwasUc