BERLIN – Local residents and community planners are preparing for Delmarva’s 2nd Annual “Thank a Police Officer Day,” which runs Sept. 15 to Sept. 17, according to event organizer Andrea Baumann.
Those participating in the event will adopt police departments in Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset and Sussex counties, along with portions of other counties in Maryland and Delaware, where they can give cards, food and goodie bags to police officers.
Participants in last year’s event delivered more than 1,000 cards to more than 40 departments, according to Baumann.
This year, participants and even local businesses, will serve more than 50 departments. These businesses already have cards on display for people to sign.
Baumann says her father, who emigrated from a communist country, always taught her to respect and appreciate law enforcement in the United States.
Baumann decided to host a local version of the national event, which the Whole Truth Project started in 2011.
Baumann says the goal of the event is to bring a positive message to the community.
Last year, individuals, including children, from all backgrounds came out to support their local departments, according to Baumann.
“A lot of kids are excited to go and the officers are excited to see the kids,” Baumann says.
With Delmarva Bike Week quickly approaching, the event Facebook page is encouraging locals to support the extra troopers that will be in the barracks to maintain peace and order.
Although the official event takes place Sept. 17, Baumann has added two more appreciation days since many departments do not have front desk secretaries on Saturdays.
Baumann says there is no right or wrong way to adopt a department and gives individuals free reign to participate however they wish.
The “Thank a Police Officer Day” event is also working with other groups, such as the Delaware Patriot Guard Riders and Operation Yellow Spear, to connect them with willing participants their area.
Baumann says she hopes the event will make people turn their heads and will set an example for generations to come.
Those participating are encouraged to post photos on the Facebook event page with the name of the department.
