NEWS

Morris police departments ask for community support

Michael Izzo
@MIzzoDR

Local police departments are asking their residents to show their support Friday during National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

“In light of the recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally,” said Mount Olive Police spokesperson Officer Michael Russell, “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.”

Many agencies statewide will travel Friday to the Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (LEAD) Rally at Neptune High School in Neptune, Monmouth County.

“We encourage all concerned citizens to attend,” Russell said. “Those citizens who appreciate law enforcement and are discouraged about the negative attention being given to law enforcement are encouraged take time ... to show their support.”

Denville Police Chief Christopher Wagner, vice president of the New Jersey State Association of Police Chiefs, a LEAD event partner, is organizing a group to attend the Neptune event in addition to members of his department.

“I also put out a Nixle alert on this because we would love to see a big turnout from the public,” Wagner said. “It’s nice to have a lot of officers there, but it would be great for the public to attend so we get that feeling of support.”

The Parsippany Police Department plans to send its honor guard to the event.

For those unable to attend the rally, Russell said there are other ways for the public to show support for police officers, including posting pictures of support on social media (an official image can be taken from the Concerns of Police Survivors Facebook page), wearing blue clothing, and spreading the word about Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

People can also send a letter of gratitude to their local police department, share stories of their positive law enforcement experience, and thank a police officer if they see one.

The community is also asked to participate by displaying a blue light in front of their residences to show support for law enforcement.

Other national organizations partnering for Law Enforcement Appreciation Day include Concerns of Police Survivors, Fraternal Order of Police, FBI National Academy Associates, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement, International Association of Chiefs of Police, New Jersey State Association of Chief of Police, 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.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@dailyrecord.com

If you go:

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Rally

What: A gathering to recognize and show support for law enforcement officials

When: Friday, Jan. 9, at 2 p.m.

Where: The Performing Art Center at Neptune Township High School on Neptune Boulevard in the Ocean Grove section of Neptune Township