Note: The Collier County Sheriff’s
Office is sharing this news release on behalf of First Baptist Church Naples:
Back the badge.
That’s the
message from First Baptist Church Naples as the congregation urges the
community to get behind local law enforcement.
First
Baptist will host a communitywide event of encouragement and support for
Collier County law enforcement Saturday, Nov. 21, from 8 to 11 a.m. on the
church campus, 3000 Orange Blossom Drive, North Naples.
The event,
called “Bless the Blue/Back the Badge,” was designed as a salute to local law
enforcement, taking into account the increased scrutiny of police nationwide
regarding the use of force.
Senior
Pastor Hayes Wicker said the attacks on police officers by rioters in Baltimore
in April highlighted the need to support law enforcement.
“As I
watched those scenes on television I suddenly became aware of the growing
pandemic of hatred, resentment and violence toward police officers,” Pastor
Wicker said. “Those who put their lives on the line need our daily
encouragement.”
Event
participants will gather at the southeast entrance to the church on Livingston
Road. A collection of cards will be available to the public to write a note of
appreciation for law enforcement. The cards will be collected and delivered to
members of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Naples Police Department and
Marco Island Police Department.
Large blue
ribbons will be available for purchase to hang on a home, vehicle or other
conspicuous place as a show of support. Yard signs, car magnets and wristbands
will also be available for purchase.
Youngsters
can jump around in the police car bounce house and check out the CCSO
helicopter and DARE car. McGruff the Crime Dog will be on hand to dispense
safety tips.
The event
will also feature demonstrations by the CCSO K-9, SWAT, bomb squad and
motorcade units.
Food and
refreshments will also be available for any on-duty law enforcement officer in
the area during the event.
For more
information, please contact David George at 239-596-8600 x 274, or
dgeorge@fbcn.org.
