On January 9th, 2015 the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association is joining Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc., and partnering organizations, in support of law enforcement officers nationwide by declaring January 9, 2015 as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.).
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.
Each day 780,000 police officers across our country (7,700 officers in Connecticut) put a badge on and go to work knowing they may face extremely dangerous situations. 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. Have you ever thought about what you would do if you were in trouble – a car accident, a home invasion, an assault – and you did not have someone to call for help? Police Officers are the guardians of our way of life and they deserve our support.
On January 9th, we call our nation’s citizens to action in support of law enforcement. We encourage everyone to take time on Friday, January 9th to show their support in a number of ways:
. Change your profile picture on social media to the attached image or some personalize message
. Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement
. Send a card of support to your local police department or state police barracks
. 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. Proudly display your blue light in support of law enforcement
Most importantly, if you see a police officer, thank a police officer.
National Law Enforcement Organizations that are partnering together include: Concerns of Police Survivors, The International Police Chiefs Association, The Fraternal Order of Police, 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, and the United States Air Force Security Forces.
