First National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Friday
On Jan. 9 the FBI National Academy Association and partnering organizations in support of law enforcement officers nationwide are promoting National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
In light of recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally, the association stated in a press release promoting the day, 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.
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. Being a law enforcement officer is not just a job, it is a calling, according to the association.
What the public doesn’t see, the press release stated, is the toll law enforcement takes to keep our communities safe. 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.
Law enforcement officers play such an integral part in our society. Without law enforcement officers, chaos would reign. No matter how much abuse law enforcement takes, they continue to do their job, and do it well. They are the guardians of our way of life and they deserve our support, the association stated.
On Jan. 9, the association is issuing a call to 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 to law enforcement are encouraged take time on Friday to show their support.
Citizens can show their support in a number of ways:
• 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 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 and proudly display your blue light in support of law enforcement
• Advertise your support through local media outlets/billboards.
