Residents Brave Cold To Show Support & Honor New Castle Police
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - People braved the bitter cold and snow to show their support for police this weekend.
They took part in an event called, Blue Hearts for Law Enforcement.
People dressed in blue and marched through the streets of New Castle on Valentine's Day.
Their mission was to show support for law enforcement across Lawrence County.
"They're always doing something for the community, always finding ways to bring us together and no matter what happens, they're always there for us," Amy Smock said.
Smock organized the event, but she got the idea from a similar event held in Cleveland not long ago.
"I thought it was really important that we took some time out and showed them that we care and we appreciate them," Smock said.
Others agree it's important to highlight the good that police do in the community, especially at a time when law enforcement has faced a great deal of criticism for situations, like the one in Ferguson, Missouri.
There, an unarmed black teenager was shot and killed by a white police officer.
The shooting prompted protests and more demonstrations erupted when a grand jury decided not to indict the police officer.
Many in New Castle said they're thankful their community hasn't had issues.
They say overall, there's a close link between the cops and their neighborhoods.
"They really have a thankless job, trying to do as much as they can to protect and to help serve the citizens of our area and many times, they don't get the thanks they really deserve. So, my wife and I just wanted to come out and offer our support," David Young said.
"They're no different than us veterans. They get up in the morning, leave home and gamble that they are going to come back home to their families, such as we were during the war," Frank Bonfield said.
The walk wrapped up at the New Castle Police Department, where participants released balloons in honor of fallen officers.
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