On Thursday, February 19 the doors of homes and offices across the state will be blue in support of our law enforcement officers – will yours? Orchestrated by the Wives Behind the Badge support group, the Paint the Town Blue event calls for businesses and residents to display blue ribbons to show their gratitude and recognition for the members of the law enforcement community who risk their lives every day to protect ours. Wives Behind the Badge have also organized the Step Out in Blue, which calls for supporters of law enforcement to wear blue on the third Thursday of each month.
Members of the Clay community should readily identify with the need to show support to our police officers as well as their families. Rebecca Workman-King, sister of Trooper Eric Workman, is urging residents to show their support. “The Step Out in Blue days and this Paint the Town Blue event is a great way to come together as a state to show our officers that we support and respect the service and sacrifices they make on a daily basis. The lack of respect that has been shown to police all over our country, especially recently, is saddening and we have the opportunity to make it better. Rallying our communities together is just one way to do so. I hope that when officers drive by the homes and businesses participating in the event, it gives them a sense of relief and hope that that they serve in a community that values and respects them. And from the Workman family to the fine police men and women of West Virginia – we are truly blessed to call you family and thank you for your service, our blue lights shine for you.”
Anyone and everyone can participate; make your own ribbon or decorate any way you wish as long as you help to turn the town blue. Ribbons for the Paint the Town Blue event can also be purchased at Taylor’s Flowers on Main Street or by calling 304-587-2333.