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Following the deaths in Ferguson, Missouri and New York City, political activists and segments of the media have demonized police officers, portraying them as racist brutes with guns, and nothing more. High ranking government officials concluded that the police were poorly trained and overly militarized, while Ferguson was still in flames. The streets of New York echoed threats, as demonstrators chanted, “What do we want? DEAD COPS.” Our police officers across America heard the threats and incessant accusations, as did their spouses and children. The effect was that professional and family morale plummeted.
Communities across America, now more than ever, need to give real support to the thin blue line that allows us all to sleep well. Our police are protecting us 365 days a year. They are prepared to help us in dealing with problems from the ordinary to some of the most difficult situations imaginable. Now, it’s our turn to help.
Operation Silver Star is an event designed to help and support our police, which focuses on action steps to show community support and rebuild the morale of police officers and their families. Please join Oracle Neighborhood Watch for an informative meeting, with great speakers, General Mark Brnovich, Lando Voyles and Sheriff Paul Babeu, who will discuss the problem and offer solutions.
This event will be held at SaddleBrooke, in the DesertView Performing Arts Center, 39900 Clubhouse Dr., SaddleBrooke on Thursday, Jan. 29, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome and there is no admission fee. For questions, please contact Wayne Larroque by calling 520-825-0732, or email Wayne at xlcajun@gmail.com.
Whether attending Operation Silver Star or not, there are ways to show support for law enforcement officers, from the very simple basic politeness all people should show to each other to more organized efforts.
Simply saying thank you, in person or through a card sent to your local police department or state agency, or, by sharing a positive story about an experience with law enforcement can go a long way toward boosting moral. Encourage your children to do the same.
Project Blue Light, displaying a blue light in your window in a show of support for peacekeepers and fallen officers, is another way. Learn more about this at www.fallenofficersremembered.org/project-blue-light, where people can also learn, among other things, how to adopt a cop.
Organize an event or rally to support officers, or, advertise support through local media outlets and billboards, or, post a public service announcement supplied by Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) to law enforcement’s webpage. Find out more about C.O.P.S. by visiting their webpage at www.nationalcops.org.
The sponsors of Operation Silver Star are the Oracle Neighborhood Watch and the residents of Saddlebrooke. For additional information, or donations, please contact: Ron Thompson, by phone at 975-3658 or email: rockdog@hotmial.com, or Wayne Larroque, by phone at 825-0732 or email: elcajun@gmail.com.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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