Law Enforcement Appreciation Day set for January 9

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Christian Examiner) – A national organization that provides support for families of law enforcement agents asks others to join them in promoting "Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" on Friday, January 9.

The non-profit group Concerns of Police Survivors is taking the initiative to honor fallen law enforcement officers in large part because of the negative publicity resulting from events in Ferguson, Missouri, where policeman Darren Wilson, a white officer, killed Michael Brown, an unarmed black man, and, the death of Eric Garner, a black man, after he was subdued by a chokehold applied by a white NYPD officer, Daniel Pantaleo.

COPS reports that between 100 – 200 police officers die in the line of duty each year and another 65,000 are either assaulted or injured on the job. Importantly, an additional 300 officers lose their lives annually to suicide.

The group offers nine suggestions to show support and appreciation for law enforcement officers and their families:

-- Add the official logo to profile pictures on social media

-- Express thanks to a police officer

-- Wear blue clothing

-- Send a card or letter of support to local police units and state police agencies

-- Share stories on social media that tell about positive law enforcement experiences

-- Engage children in thanking law enforcement with letters or visits

-- Participate in Project Blue Light and display a blue light at home and work

-- Advertise support through local media outlets, including billboards

-- Organize a public rally to support law enforcement personnel

-- Promote the COPS public service announcement: