How To Show Your Support On National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Monday, January 9, is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a day dedicated in the U.S. to recognizing and thanking everyone in law enforcement for their tireless work to keep communities safe. 

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo said residents should take a moment to recognize National Law Enforcement Day on Jan. 9 by thanking the city’s law enforcement officers for their service and dedication. 

“Every second of every minute, every minute of every hour, and every hour of every day, those who have dedicated their lives and profession to law enforcement work to ensure that we feel safe in our homes and as we go about our daily lives,” the Mayor said. “Pasadena is a world-class City with world-class police officers and civilian law enforcement personnel who take pride in our community and the work that they do.” 

For new Pasadena Police Chief Eugene Harris, National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is somber:

“On this day, following Friday’s memorial service of Riverside County Sheriff Deputy Isaiah Cordero, who was killed in the line of duty, I am reminded of the sacrifices the men and women of law enforcement and their families make in service to their communities. National Law Enforcement Day is an opportunity to recognize that sacrifice, and the commitment of Peace Officers, as dedicated community servants and guardians of peace.”

How To Show Support For National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

To mark National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, here are some ways to show your support and say “Thanks!” to the men and women in blue.

Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), a national organization composed of over 54,000 spouses, children, parents, siblings, significant others, and co-workers of police officers who have died in the line of duty, is leading its National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (LEAD) campaign to encourage people to express their support for law enforcement officers.

C.O.P.S. said in light of recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally, there is a need to show law enforcement officers that citizens recognize the difficult career they have chosen in public service. 

“Each year, we will call our nation’s citizens to action in support of law enforcement,” C.O.P.S. said in a statement. “Those citizens who appreciate law enforcement and are discouraged about the negative attention being given to law enforcement are encouraged to take time on January 9th to show their support.”

C.O.P.S. said citizens can show their support by wearing blue clothing, tying blue ribbons to your can antenna, sending a card of support to your local police department or state agency, sharing a positive story about your law enforcement experience on social media, and asking children in your community to write letters in support of police officers.

Participating in Project Blue Light, and displaying your blue light in your vehicle or home, is another way to show your support for law enforcement. Project Blue Light is a nationwide recognition of police officers who have died in the line of duty.

You can also advertise your support through local media outlets/billboards, post the public service announcement supplied by C.O.P.S. to your organization’s web page or social media pages, and coordinate or participate in a Blue Blood Drive.

The most important advice they offer is: if you see a police officer, thank a police officer. 

In whatever way, there is a need to show law enforcement officers that citizens recognize the difficult and sometimes impossible career these officers have chosen to be able to serve the public, the COPS statement said.

COPS also hosts a National Police Survivors’ Conference each May during National Police Week and sponsors scholarship programs, peer-support programs, a COPS Kids counseling reimbursement program, and other assistance programs for both officers and their families as well as their survivor members.

Other police support organizations also suggest sharing your story on social media with the hashtag #NationalLawEnforcementAppreciationDay.