Citizen's Lawn Sign Inspires Livingston Cops: ‘Support Your Police’

LIVINGSTON, NJ — You’re a cop on patrol just weeks after two, high-profile, national police shootings. Tensions are running high, and several anti-police brutality protests have recently been reported in the area.

You’re ready for anything. But then, you come across a lawn sign with a simple message: “Support Your Police.”

This is the gesture that personally touched the hearts of the Livingston Police Department, Chief of Police Craig Handschuch told Patch.

A social media post of the well-wishing lawn sign is going viral, and in doing so, is helping to strengthen the community/police relationship of the Livingston community.

“The sign was originally spotted by one of our officers patrolling the neighborhood,” Handschuch explained. “He took a photo of it and then it began to circulate and was posted on our social media sites by the department. I learned of it yesterday afternoon and I decided to stop by the Hyland residence to thank them for their support.”

Although he’d never met the family before, Handschuch felt that an in-person “thank you” was called for. When he stopped by the house and met with the owner, Tom Hyland, and his son, Tom, the police chief told them their gesture was a “very kind act” that personally touched the hearts of the officers that saw it.

“The Hylands stated that they just wanted the police and community to know how much they supported law enforcement in light of the recent events throughout the country,” Handschuch told Patch.

“We talked for a short while and when I walked away I felt very extremely proud to be a police officer in Livingston,” the police chief elaborated. “Many residents and members of the business community have contacted me to express their support of the men and women who serve on the Livingston Police Department. I appreciate all of the positive comments and support we receive on a daily basis and I assure the community that we are proud to protect and serve the Township of Livingston."

• See article: Livingston Police Relations: LPD To Hold 2016 National Night Out

The Hylands’ lawn sign has inspired a flood of social media well-wishes from other local residents.

• “Kudos to the Hyland family for the sign and of course to the Livingston NJ Police Department. We are most fortunate to have you watching out for the town.”
• “Supporting our police department 100%... Be safe out there.”
• “I would gladly put a sign like that on my front lawn.”
• “Always! Also sending a donation to the local PBA. Thank you.”
• “I am always behind you guys 100%.”

Photo: Livingston Police Department, Facebook

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