National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

December 31 2014 | Whats New

 

A message from FOP National Secretary Pat Yoes

  

FOP Members,

In light of recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally, there is a need to show law enforcement officers that our citizens recognize the difficult and sometimes impossible career they have chosen, in public service to us all.


Can you imagine going to work each day and wondering if you'll survive your shift and see your family that night? Most people can't. But in law enforcement, this is a fact of life. Each day 780,000 police officers across our country put a badge on and go to work knowing they may face extremely dangerous situations. Yet, they go to work anyway.

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. There is no other profession in the world, except possibly the military, where you will find these kinds of statistics.

On January 9th, we call our nation's citizens to action in support of law enforcement. Those citizens who appreciate law enforcement and are discouraged about the negative attention being given, are encouraged take time on Friday, January 9th to show their support.

Support can be shown in a number of ways:

 

  • Change your profile picture on social media to LEAD
     
  • 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 or state agency.
     
  • Share a positive story about positive law enforcement experiences 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 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 webpage or social media pages.