Rally Held In Atlantic City To Support Police
By Cleve Bryan
ATLANTIC CITY (CBS) -- In response to anti-police protests throughout the country, there was a rally on the Atlantic City Boardwalk Friday to show support for law enforcement.
"They've had a bad deal in the national press, their side of the story has not been presented well and these are the people that protect and serve us and risk their lives for all our communities every single day," says Dr. John Baker, a retired local physician who helped organize the rally.
Baker and Atlantic City radio host Harry Hurley spent Christmas week gathering permits and lining up speakers.
"As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ the world prayed for peace on earth and 2,000 years later, sadly, we still are praying for peace on earth," said Mayor Don Guardian before a crowd of several hundred people, some holding "We Support Police" signs.
Atlantic City Police Chief Henry White says, "I was overwhelmed by the number of people that are here to show their support for not just the Atlantic City PD but for law enforcement in general. This really means a lot to our men and women."
As the police supporters marched down the boardwalk, off-duty NYPD Officer Ben Gelber happened upon what was going on and says it was encouraging.
"It was great cause I'm used to seeing all the anti-police rallies up in NYC that we're used to working," says Gelber.
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