It's Law Enforcement Appreciation Day -- Thank A Wall Police Officer

If you’ve ever had to call a police officer for help, been rescued from a dangerous situation or merely want to acknowledge how police put their lives on the line day in and day out, Saturday is the day to do that.

Make cookies. Post a thank-you note on the Wall Police Department Facebook page. Or simply thank an officer when you see one.

The second annual National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day is Saturday, and law enforcement and citizens around the country will be marking the day with a variety of activities.

In New Jersey, Neptune Township High School’s Performing Arts Center will be the site of a ceremony hosted by Garden State C.O.P.S. (Concerns Of Police Survivors) and NJ State Police Survivors of the Triangle.

The event begins at 11 a.m. Neptune High School is located at 55 Neptune Boulevard, just off Route 33 east.

In addition to speeches from citizens telling how police officers saved their lives, the winners of Garden State C.O.P.S. first essay competition will read their winning essays.

The essay contest, open to Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, had the students respond to the topic, ”Why is law enforcement important to me?”

The winners are: Girl Scouts: 1. $350, Cassandra Todd, Troop #30402, Atco; 2. $100, Jessenia Maldonado, Troop #80218 Perth Amboy; 3. $50, Rebecca Murphy, Troop #64110 Mullica Hill.

Boy Scouts: 1. $350, John Kubowicz, Cub Scout Pack 305, Kearny; 2. $100, Matt Matula,
Troop 49, Eatontown.

The ceremony also will include speeches from law enforcement families whose officers lost their lives in the line of duty.

• Tell your friends and family about LEAD Day.
• Say thank you to a police officer.
• Stop by your local Department with a handmade gift.
• Change your profile picture on social media to the .jpg image provided at www.facebook.com/nationalcops
• Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement.
• Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency.
• Share a story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media.
• Ask children in your community to write letters in support of law enforcement.
• Participate in Project Blue Light - Proudly display your blue light in support of law enforcement.
• Advertise your support through local media outlets/billboards.
• Post the public service announcement supplied by C.O.P.S. to your organization’s webpage or social media pages.

Most importantly, if you see a police officer, thank a police officer.

Visit www.gardenstatecops.org or www.njspsott.org for more information.