A standing ovation for the men and women called to serve and protect—who sometimes dodge bullets as well as insults.
Thursday night a hail of praise and decoration fell upon Cleveland police, some for saving lives and others for saving image.
Support filled seats as each officer was honored, including Robert Beveridge who was named the 2014 police officer of the year. The arms embraced and encouraged the people behind the shield.
A smile of approval from Mayor Frank Jackson and Police Chief Calvin Williams shined brightly for the overall body of work invested in Cleveland.
And, for that, there's payback.
" I wanted them to know that we stand behind them and we do believe in what they do," said Mary Jo Graves, who was honored with the citizen award plaque for organizing the “Sea of Blue” in Dec. 2014.
Graves She said she had only expected about 100 supporters to show up on behalf of police. Instead, thousands stood with her.
