I-35W Bridge to Light Up Blue for Law Enforcement Appreciation Day​

Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed Monday as “Law Enforcement Appreciation Day” in Minnesota. The day recognizes "the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officials in Minnesota and around the country."

Dayton directed the Minnesota Department of Transportation to light the Minneapolis Interstate 35W bridge blue in recognition of the day. The windows of the Governor’s Residence will also be lit blue.

“Every day and night, law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect and serve communities across our state,” Dayton said in a statement. “Today, we recognize the service and sacrifice of those brave men and women, and their families. Minnesota is a safer, stronger, better state thanks to their unwavering service.”

Minnesota is home to more than 10,000 law enforcement officials, according to a news release.

Minnesota was fortunate not to have lost a single law enforcement officer in the line of duty in 2016; however, the nation lost a total of 138 officers last year.

Image via Michael Hicks, Flickr, used under Creative Commons