If you’re not comfortable personally thanking a police officer for their service, there’s an easier way.

A blue porch light or string of blue lights wrapped around a tree or bush is an easy, inexpensive way to honor both fallen and living police officers. Jan Blaser-Upchurch with Concerns Of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) says it’s a real morale booster.

“There’s a lot of people that may not be out there that they see every day, but they know that there’s support in our community,” she said.

“Project Blue Light” was started in December 1989 by the mother-in-law of a Philadelphia police officer. Daniel Gleason was killed in the line of duty in June 1986. His wife, Pam, lost her life in a car crash in August 1989. The couple had six children.

Daniel Gleason was killed in the line of duty in June 1986. His wife, Pam, lost her life in a car crash in August 1989. The couple had six children.

Dolly Craig told the national chapter of C.O.P.S. two blue candles in her window would honor both her son-in-law and daughter. The project originally honored all fallen officers during December. Now, it honors the living and the dead all year round.

Blaser-Upchurch says anyone can do this, whether they’re related to police officers or not, and many do just that.

“They aren’t survivors, they aren’t family members of law enforcement, but they understand the unique dynamics,” she said.

Blue lights are available at many retailers. To purchase one and support C.O.P.S., people can visit this link.

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