Local Police Officers Remain On High Alert After Threat
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh Police officers aren't patrolling alone these days.
They are doubling up in response to a statewide FBI alert about "potential threats" against law enforcement. This follows the shooting deaths of two New York City police officers over the weekend.
And now Pittsburgh Police chaplains are asking people to show their support in a specific way.
A single blue light - it's a simple request from chaplains to have one in support of police this holiday season.
"The color blue is a symbol of peace," says Rev. John Welch, a police chaplain. "Participation in Project Blue Light will send a dual message; it will show support for those police officers who have died in the line of duty, and express hope the coming year will be a year of peace."
A memo, sent to hundreds of local police officers, has many departments on high alert.
It stated: "We have received unsubstantiated information from field units advising that a group of individuals are traveling to the Pittsburgh area to attempt to ambush police officers who conduct traffic stops."
Frank Monaco, now retired, led hundreds of officers at the state and local level with state and municipal police departments. If still in that position he would have this message for his officers.
"The vast majority of citizens are not saying "kill the cops." The vast majority are not protesting against us. The vast majority do support us," said Monaco. "Don't let these things on TV ruin your spirit."
Even at Children's Hospital on Tuesday, where police officers from more than a dozen local departments were delivering "Presents from Police," there were words of warning.
"With all that is going on, we just ask you guys please wear vests," said one Pittsburgh Police officer. "I put the memorial flag at half-staff too many times around here. We do not want to see anything happen to our fellow brothers and sisters."
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