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Public urged to support officers on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
In light of the recent negativity directed toward law enforcement both locally and nationally, the Putnam County Fraternal Order of Police, in conjunction with organizations in support of law enforcement officers nationwide are uniting to promote National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Friday, Jan. 9.
Each day 780,000 police officers across the country put a badge on and go to work knowing they may face extremely dangerous situations. It is said that 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, 14,000 officers are injured on the job and more than 300 officers commit suicide each year.
"As president of the Putnam County Fraternal Order of Police we'd like to encourage the public to participate in the Law Enforcement Appreciation Day," Jerrod Baugh said. "Previous to this, there really wasn't anything that we acknowledged as a day to show appreciation for current law enforcement officers that are going out every day doing their job the best they know how -- doing the right things for the right reasons every day. We have memorial days for when we lose officers in the line of duty, but in light of recent events this is just a way an individual can show appreciation for local law enforcement."
Law enforcement officers play an integral part in our society, with the recent blatant attacks on them such as the execution style killing of two NYPD officers, the public is asked to take a step back and appreciate the sacrifice these individuals and their families go through on a daily basis.
"One of the best things I think a person can do is just to tell an officer thanks when you see them," Baugh added. "As law enforcement officers it's a big deal -- it almost catches you off guard. Most of the time, we're used to dealing with bad things going on and typically people aren't happy to see us there. So, it's a day to recognize those who are doing the right thing for the right reasons. To recognize those who put their badge on, their bulletproof vest, kiss their family goodbye and hope they get to make it home that night. It's just a way to show officers they are appreciated for the job that they've chosen to do."
Although, the Putnam County Fraternal Order of Police is not holding any sort of event during the day, it is the organization's hope that Putnam County residents will not only thank those who have made such a sacrifice, but show their support in other ways such as wearing blue clothing during the day, sharing a positive story about a law enforcement experience on social media, having children write letters in support of law enforcement, sending a card of support to one's local department or state agency or by just displaying a blue light as a part of the Project Blue Light program.
"It's a neat opportunity for citizens to participate in the National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day," Baugh said. "The Fraternal Order of Police always recognizes that we have officers that may have made a career of the job. Recently, we have had three officers announce their retirement from the Greencastle Police Department (Capt. Mike Hanlon, Sgt. Terry Eastham and Officer Albert Epple) and it's a great time to say something to them to just remind them that their years of service are appreciated."
Organizers also note that residents can show their support by doing such things as organizing a rally or event in support of local law enforcement officers, advertising support though local media outlets and even by just changing one's Facebook profile picture.
"Putnam County has new administration that has come in at the Putnam County Sheriff's Department," Baugh explained. "They've got a lot of challenges ahead of them and I think this is a great opportunity, when you see some of those officers, to wish them luck in providing Putnam County with quality law enforcement."
National Law Enforcement Organizations that are partnering together include, Concerns of Police Survivors, The FBI National Academy Associates, The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement, Officer Down Memorial Page, Law Enforcement United, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, International Conference of Police Chaplains, National Trooper's Coalition, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Police Wives, Wives Behind the Badge, International Union of Police Associations, New Jersey State PBA, National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriffs' Association, Thin Line Support, Police Unity Tour, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and the United States Air Force Security Forces.