PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lori Sitler

Phone: (302) 577-8314

Pager: (302) 247-1132

Date: December 11, 2003



NOTE TO EDITOR: The below submission was drafted by Attorney General M. Jane Brady to bring attention to Project Blue Light this holiday season. Please feel free to use this as the basis for a news story or as a submission to the editorial page.

PROJECT BLUE LIGHT: Honoring Delaware Law Enforcement

By Attorney General M. Jane Brady

(Wilmington, DE): “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire…” Ah, the sweet memories of the warmth and love of the holidays, and the joyous expectation of gathering again, soon, with family and friends to celebrate the timeless traditions of this season. We all think of giving back at this time of year, of letting people special to us know that we appreciate them, that we remember them.

Well this year, start a new tradition and remember some very special people. Put a blue light in your window to honor the law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, and to remember those who work every day to keep your community safe. Be a participant in Project Blue Light.

Project Blue Light was started by Dolly Craig, whose son-in-law, a police officer, was killed in the line of duty. She put a blue light in her window to remember him at the holidays. Since 1989, COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors) has promoted the program nationwide. The program has grown tremendously. From law enforcement officers, their families and departments, the program has grown to include businesses, organizations and citizens in their communities who want to show that they recall the sacrifices made by those no longer with us, and that they support those who work, every day, regardless of the danger, to keep our communities safe.

Every year, police officers in this country are killed in the line of duty. On average, a law enforcement officer dies in the line of duty every 39 hours. Delaware has not been spared that trauma. Through the years, over 80 Delaware law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty. Some of the families of these officers burn a blue light in their window every day of the year in honor of their loved ones. 

By participating in Project Blue Light, you’ll help remember the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and as you do, honor those who are protecting us now.

For more information about Delaware’s local COPS chapter, contact, Capt. Rick Pulling, Jr., Chapter Director at (302) 739-2454.

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