CLEVELAND — The city of Brunswick lit up its water tower in blue lights to show support for those who protect and serve.
“It can kinda take a little bit of a grind on you sometimes and to be able to see people out here appreciate what you’re doing and are thankful for it, it just kind of rejuvenates yourself to make you realize we work in a great community where people are thankful for what we’re trying to do,” said Brunswick Police Sgt. Daren Lubinsky.
The blue lights are part of an initiative aimed at supporting law enforcement in Northeast Ohio, back for its second year.
“It was so successful it came back for a second year,” said Ella Fong, FBI Citizen’s Academy board member.
The Light Northern Ohio Blue campaign encourages businesses, building owners and residents to replace their outdoor light bulbs with blue ones.
The FBI Cleveland Citizens Academy Alumni Association supported by the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society, City of Cleveland, the Cleveland Division of the FBI, and the Cleveland Division of Police is initiating this year's campaign to wear blue clothing and light up your place of business or residence blue throughout police week.
In 1962, President John F. Kennedy designated May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day. Since then, cities and departments across the United States honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice throughout the week, designated as Police Week.
“For law enforcement, when they walk out the door they’re not sure if they’re going to come back,” said Fong.
The campaign kicked off May 1 with Light Northern Ohio Blue posters displayed at various businesses and on social media. Home Depot, Ace Hardware and Dunn Hardware have blue lights for purchase at select locations.
The Light Northern Ohio Blue campaign coincides with National Police week which takes place May 12 through May 18.
