Shumway FPD Joins "Back the Blue" Campaign

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Published on October 13 2016 8:13 am
Last Updated on October 13 2016 8:14 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Law enforcement officers lately find themselves under attack; either in the news, on social media pages, even physical attacks on police are at an all-time high. Every day the men and women who have sworn an Oath to “Protect & Serve” do so knowing the risks associated with their job, one that brings with it an incredible amount of stress; as their training has taught them, there is no such thing as a “routine” anything. Without warning a simple stop to get a cup of coffee can result in every law enforcement member’s worst nightmare; having to discharge their weapon in defense of their lives and the lives of the people they have sworn to protect. Unlike Hollywood movies and television, these decisions must be made in nanoseconds, as delaying any longer will result in a potential loss of life; including their own. These men and women manage this type of stress each day. However, they are only human and this daily stress combined with the wave of negativity displayed towards law enforcement is taking its toll on the men and women who serve and protect their fellow man without prejudice. Supporters say now more than ever the men and women of law enforcement need to know that the community they serve supports them and recognizes the challenges they are facing.

The local fire department has long served as a support system for the law enforcement community; from allowing the patrol officers a place to get a cup of coffee, to providing that safe haven to discuss the pressures of the job with their brothers & sisters in public safety as a means of managing their stress.

The Shumway Fire Protection District wants everyone to know they stand by their brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement and have joined the "Back the Blue" campaign. As stated on the Back the Blue website: “Back the Blue is a public awareness campaign designed and dedicated to displaying public support for law enforcement throughout the United States."

Every day, police men and women pin on their badges and risk their lives to protect and preserve our freedoms here at home. They continually encounter dangerous situations and keep us safe in ways we will never know. As a sign of support, the Shumway Fire Protection District has placed a Back the Blue banner upon the stations and changed the exterior lights illuminating entryways to blue. The Shumway fire stations are open for officers, deputies, troopers, or any other law enforcement professional as a place to stop, take a moment for themselves in a welcoming environment.

A Shumway Fire Department representative said, "It is often said that members of Public Safety are like a family; spending so much time together, dealing with tragedies, helping each other cope with loss. Therefore it’s only natural that when one of us needs help, ALL of us will be there for them."