Vernon Resident Stages Demonstration To 'Support' Local Police

VERNON, CT — A senior citizen who has lived in Vernon for a dozen years was not shy about his support for the local police department Thursday and he stood in front of the public safety complex asking motorists to join him.

Ed LaPointe, 76, made his way to the sidewalk in front of the Vernon Police Department at about 7:15 a.m., just after the VPD morning shift began. That's a busy stretch of road that time of the day with commuters heading to Interstate-84 from several points. On a sign was a simple request — "Honk if you support Vernon police."

LaPoint said he had been pondering the demonstration for weeks with mounting discussions on the role police have in communities.

The point, LaPointe said, was to give the cops some love.

"I'm sick and tired of people putting the police down," he said. "I hope this gets people off their butts to do something to support the police."

He added when referring the the VPD staff, "I've never met nicer people. I feel safe here."

The response Thursday morning was quite positive. Most drivers beeped while passing LaPointe. One very enthusiastic driver nearly spilled her coffee while toasting LaPointe.

Several Vernon police officers went out to the sidewalk to exchange pleasantries with LaPointe.

(Vernon PD)

LaPointe said he has lived in Hartford, Manchester, Windham and now Vernon.

"You know, growing up, no one looked at the color of anyone's skin," he said. "We had good, clean fun. I feel very good living here now. I have that feeling here"

LaPointe stayed until about noon, when he went to his part-time job. He said he planned on returning late afternoon.

VPD spokesman Lt. William Meier said the support is appreciated.

"We take our service to the community very seriously as well as our relationship with the residents," he said. "It's nice to see someone like Mr. LaPointe show his support."