On Friday, Jan. 9, partnering organizations in support of law enforcement officers nationwide will promote a National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

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 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. There is no other profession in the world, except possibly the military, where you will find these kinds of statistics.

Law enforcement officers play such an integral part in our society. Without law enforcement officers, chaos would reign. 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? No matter how much abuse law enforcement takes, they continue to do their job, and do it well. They are the guardians of our way of life and they deserve our support.

On Friday, Jan. 9, we call our nation’s citizens to action in support of law enforcement. Those citizens who appreciate law enforcement and are discouraged about the negative attention being given to law enforcement are encouraged to take time to show their support. Our citizens can show their support in a number of ways:

• Change your profile picture on social media to the jpg image provided at www.facebook.com/nationalcops
• Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement
• Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency
• Share a 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
• Organize an event or a rally in support of your law enforcement officers
• Advertise your support through local media outlets/billboards
• Post the public service announcement supplied by C.O.P.S. to your organization’s webpage or social media pages

Most importantly, if you see a police officer, thank a police officer.