In light of recent acts of violence against members of the law enforcement community around the nation, a show of support for Henry County officers will be held locally at the end of the month.
A “Back the Blue” event will be held from 3-5 p.m. July 31 in the Church Street Gym, 1201 Church St., and everyone is encouraged to attend.
Henry County Trustee Nancy Neal Webb came up with the idea of honoring local officers.
“My sister and I were talking about getting shirts made, and I kept thinking that I needed to do more. Our dad was a retired New Castle Police officer. Both our brothers have been in law enforcement and one is currently a Henry County reserve deputy, and my son is at the Indiana State Police Academy now,” Webb said. “Our family has a lot of military, law enforcement, firefighters and EMS, so it is very close to my heart to support them.”
The gathering will include brief addresses by local clergy, Indiana Rep. Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville) and others. Members of all Henry County law enforcement agencies are invited, as well as any Henry County citizen who would like to show their support for the job the officers do.
Webb said several local businesses have donated door prizes and those will be given to officers throughout the event.
Specially designed T-shirts are also available, but must be ordered and paid for in advance. They have a “Back the Blue” logo and a facsimile of a badge on the front and an American flag on the back. The back of the shirts also includes the phrase, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” Webb said they are being sold at cost to make them as affordable as possible.
“We are getting a great response. I’ve already placed one order for shirts and we have another order going in on Monday,” Webb said, adding that as of Friday morning 160 shirts orders had already been placed.
Webb said she thinks law enforcement personnel in Henry County are doing a good job and hope a big crowd shows up to let them know it.
“Every officer in the county, including our retirees, is going to be honored and I hope we have a really good showing for them,” Webb said. “I think what they do is difficult enough, but the stress that’s being put on them by what’s going on nationally makes it harder for them,” she said.
Anyone with questions about the planned rally may call Webb at (765) 529-3303.
