Support the Blue Line!
Jul 21, 2021 12:00AM ● By By Thomas J. Sullivan
Community members, LEO, a non-political organization, and the Citrus Heights American Legion gathered to show support for Citrus Heights Police Department on Saturday, July 17, at 6315 Fountain Square Drive. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan
Flag Rally Draws Public Support and Solidarity for CHPD
CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - A small, yet enthusiastic group of Citrus Heights residents braved 90-plus Saturday morning temperatures to show their support for the officers and staff of the Citrus Heights Police Department outside headquarters at 6315 Fountain Square Drive.
Passing motorists honked their horns and gave their thumbs up to local law enforcement officers to rally members proudly holding their thin blue line and American flags high.
The public flag rally, organized by Jacqueline Shields of Citrus Heights, is a grass roots event to show support for the officers and staff who work every day to protect the residents of Citrus Heights.
Members of the Citrus Heights community and local supporting organizations, including Citrus Heights American Legion participated in the morning rally.
Shields is just one of a handful of volunteers who have been quietly showing up at the Citrus Heights Police Department to leave behind blue ribbons, balloons and signs with words of encouragement every few months.
Tall palm trees which surround police headquarters are adorned with blue ribbons and balloons on a regular basis. All are refreshed by Shields and her fellow volunteers to maintain a fresh look for Citrus Heights Police officers and staff reporting for duty at police headquarters each day.
“I want the members and staff of the Citrus Heights Police Department to know that their service and dedication to our community is genuinely appreciated,” Shields said. “What we do is just a way to recognize their tireless work they do on behalf of all of us, each and every day, to keep our community safe.”
The thin blue line flag represents the ideals of justice and freedom, bravery and solidarity. Although it has great meaning for the fraternal feelings of police officers for others in the profession, it is not reserved for use only by police officers.
As symbolized by the field of stars, citizens are integral to the message of the blue line flag. Those who want to express their support for police officers and their partnership in the mission of law and order are encouraged to proudly fly the thin blue line flag.
John Freer of the Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) a non-political organization which holds flag rallies for fallen officers and supports other law enforcement entities, has offered to help Shields with her vision. Both Shields and Freer say they will continue to work closely together to organize future flag rallies to help grow much needed support for the police.
To contact Jacqueline Shields for more information, go to #SaveOurPolice on Twitter.