Aimed to combat negative sentiments toward law enforcement in national news, a local police charity has kicked off a week-long “We Support Our Police” campaign in Citrus Heights — gaining visible support from a number of area businesses and residents this week.
The week-long effort continues from Oct. 18 to 24 and is sponsored by the nonprofit Citrus Heights Police Activities League (PAL), which is selling large signs and blue ribbon lapels to local businesses and individuals who wish to show support for local police, according to Lt. Jason Russo, who serves as the League’s president.
“In general there’s things happening in other [parts] of the country — some unfortunate tragedies — where law enforcement is kinda being targeted,” Russo told The Sentinel, explaining the reason behind the campaign. “We think it’s an opportunity for us to put some positive information out there to kind of offset that negative tone that’s out there in the world.”
As of Tuesday, large signs in support of local police were seen in front windows of businesses like Riebes Auto Parts on Auburn Boulevard and Safe Credit Union on Sunrise Boulevard.
At Riebes, customers were greeted with a sign reading, “We support our police,” with smaller text stating, “We, the residents and businesses of Citrus Heights, support our Citrus Heights Police Department and local law enforcement.” A prominent blue ribbon printed in the middle of the sign includes the League’s logo.
Riebes Store Manager Sean Brown said he put the sign up in his store to show support for Citrus Heights police officers, who he said go out of their way “to be sure we are safe and protected.” He said anytime his store had issues, police have been “very quick to respond.”
Brown said his store has had past issues with homelessness and alarms — with a most recent incident blocking off his business with police tape over the weekend, due to shots being fired in a nearby home on Walnut Drive. Asked whether his support sign would be up for just the week, Brown responded, “I think that’s gonna be there for a while.”
[Related: Man arrested for allegedly firing gun in Citrus Heights home]
Police said the week-long effort will also include a proclamation being presented during this Thursday’s city council meeting, as well as at the “Howl ‘O Ween” Parade and Harvest Festival at Rusch Park this Saturday.
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Those interested in purchasing signs or lapels during the week can contact PAL at (916) 727-4820.
