Thin Blue Line Flag and 12 More Ways to Support Law Enforcement
Posted:
February 17, 2017
Categories:
Flag Etiquette


Thin Blue Line Flag
While there are many law enforcement flags, the thin blue line flag has become one of the most popular banners to fly in support of police officers. There are two representations of the flag – a flag with two broad stripes of black and a blue stripe in the middle and a black and white American flag with a blue stripe in the middle. These flags show our respect for fallen officers. The blue line stands for the police officers and the courage they find in the face of insurmountable odds. The black background mourns our fallen officers.

Blue Lights
Another way to show support for police officers is to replace your porch or landscape light with a blue light bulb. This not only shows your support for the officers policing your community but is also a memorial to officers who have died in the line of duty. This idea was popularized by Project Blue Light, a movement started by an organization called C.O.P.S. – Concerns of Police Survivors. Back in 1989, Dolly Craig wrote a letter to C.O.P.S. to let them know that she would be burning two blue candles in her front window during the holiday season. One for her son who was a police officer killed in the line of duty and the second for his wife, her daughter-in-law, who was killed in a car accident. Though Dolly has also now passed away, Project Blue Light is her legacy of honoring fallen officers across the country.
Participate in Neighborhood Watch
Participation in your local neighborhood watch is an active and tangible way to support your local police force. Neighborhood watches are a great tool for crime prevention. The National Neighborhood Watch Association is an actual part of the National Sheriff’s Association. This association places emphasis on education and common sense. Citizens should never act of their own accord. They should simply be on the lookout to alert law enforcement if there is suspicious activity in their area. The neighborhood watch brings the community together in a spirit of shared purpose and goals – to protect their neighborhood and improve their quality of life. In the history of crime prevention, neighborhood involvement has proved time and again to be the most effective way to prevent crime. Many neighborhood watch programs sponsor community centers or sports leagues in addition to the extra observation. This social approach helps youth to avoid becoming involved in criminal activity.
Donations
Though many do not have money to spare, even small donations to organizations that support law enforcement are appreciated. Some of the top police organizations include C.O.P.S. and the Fraternal Order of Police. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is an excellent organization as well. As with any charity, do your research before donating. If an organization seems suspicious, look it up on the Better Business Bureau or on IRS.gov. You can also go beyond traditional donations. If you see a police officer or firefighter grabbing a coffee or a bite to eat, anonymously pay for their order. Treat the local police office or fire station to lunch or dinner by sending pizzas. While bringing baked goods or other food may seem like a nice gesture, homemade items will be viewed with suspicion. Unless you have a close friend in the police who will take it for you, it is best to stick with professional food establishments.
Thin Red Line Flag
Show the fire department your support by flying a thin red line flag at your home. This flag is the same concept as the thin blue line flag – red for the firefighters who bravely protect our homes and black to mourn those lost. Though not seen as often as the thin blue line flag, the thin red line flag is important to show our firefighters and other first responders that we appreciate them as well.
Volunteer Organizations
If you prefer to actively show your appreciation, join a volunteer organization that supports your local law enforcement agency. Joining the neighborhood watch is a great step, but, if you would like to be even more involved, in many communities you can become a reserve officer or a volunteer firefighter. Neither of these steps should be taken lightly, as they are a huge time commitment and can be dangerous. Reserve police officers are “extreme volunteers” that are fully trained as police officers. These reserve officers are called upon when needed to provide an extra police presence. Volunteer firefighters are similar to reserve police officers, though they are mostly found in areas with a low population. Some towns only have a volunteer fire department while others have a few full-time firefighters who are supported by volunteers. Becoming a volunteer firefighter takes a lot of training – at the least, an 110-hour course – and is very physically demanding. Most cities have a few police or fire department organizations that coordinate fundraisers or other events to support their local agencies. These are a great way to get involved without committing the time and effort of serving in the police or fire department. You can help organize, publicize, and run events or help provide refreshments or décor. Any help will be greatly appreciated both by law enforcement officials and by the charitable organizations.
Firefighter Remembrance Flag
This flag is similar to the thin red line flag and shares the same meaning. It is half red and half black and features the gold firefighter’s Maltese cross in the middle. The Maltese cross is the badge of all firefighters. It is a symbol of protection and a badge of honor that dates back hundreds of years.

Say “Thank You”
Sounds simple, right? Whenever you see a law enforcement official, simply walk up and thank them for their service or wave and smile at passing officers. Officers say this happens very rarely, and they truly appreciate the gesture. Another great way to say thank you is to send a greeting card to the police station or fire department. To encourage a larger movement, ask your child’s teacher if he or she could have a class project to send cards to the police and firefighters. Not only will this brighten the police and firefighters’ day, but it will also teach children they need to respect these officers and appreciate the service they provide.
EMS Flag
While Emergency Medical Technicians are not law enforcement officials, they often put their lives on the line to save others. They are usually the first to respond to a 9-1-1 call, and they are never sure what type of situation they may be headed into. Show your support for these highly skilled men and women by flying the EMS flag at your home. The flag is typically blue and features the Star of Life. It is a blue six-pointed star outlined in white with the rod of Asclepius (the rod with a snake wrapped around it) in the middle. The six points on the star represent the six main tasks of emergency medical responders- Detection: Citizens on the scene identify a problem and ensure anyone not already injured is out of danger. They decide professional help is needed.
- Reporting: Someone calls for professional help and medical assistance is dispatched.
- Response: Citizens provide first aid until help arrives.
- On Scene Care: EMTs arrive and provide first aid care to the extent of their capabilities.
- Care in Transit: EMTs provide medical care while they are en route to a hospital.
- Transfer to Definitive Care: The patient is transferred to the hospital.

Ribbons


Police Remembrance Flag
Similar in concept to the thin blue line flag, the police remembrance flag is another way to show your respect to officers fallen in the line of duty. This flag is similar to the thin blue line flag. It is half black and half blue with a gold shield in the center. The shield features a five point star with a circle in the center. The circle is crossed by a ribbon that says “police.” The shield is representative of the badges worn by police officers. Most police badges are stars, though the number of points and the orientation of the star varies from city to city and state to state.
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Be a Good Citizen
This may sound like common sense, but the easiest way to support your local law enforcement officials is to stay out of their way! Obey the law so the police don’t have to worry about you. Always use caution to try your best not to become a victim. Lock your house and car and be vigilant. Also remember to pass on safety and respect for authority to the next generation. Teach your children how to be responsible citizens and show them that police officers and firefighters are brave men and women who should be shown the utmost respect.