Residents show support for 'Thin Blue Line' that weaves through fabric of Coast
GULFPORT -- Coast law officers were recognized Saturday for their efforts to protect and serve.
As part of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, area residentsand law enforcement officers participated in a "Thin Blue Line" gathering Saturday morning in Jones Park in Gulfport.
About 100 people -- many dressed in blue -- showed up to show their support for their police.
"Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day," organizer Kristin Stachuar Allen said, "so we decided to use this as an opportunity to get the community together to show our love and support for law enforcement."
The participants stood shoulder to shoulder and formed a line that stretched across Jones Park.
"This was to represent the 'Thin Blue Line,' to show we support those who stand the line by standing behind them," she said. "We want our men and women in blue to know we love them."
"The Thin Blue Line" is a symbol used by law enforcement to show unity and to commemorate fallen officers. It is represented, usually in a decal on vehicles, as a black rectangle with a blue line through its middle.
Saturday's ceremony was also an opportunity for family and friends to honor a fallen officer.
John Street, a Lucedale police officer and George County deputy, was killed in an on-duty car accident Dec. 16, 2014, while responding to a call.
Street's wife, Donielle, said it was an "awesome feeling" to remember her husband's life and legacy Saturday.
"I may not be in law enforcement myself, but supporting them means a lot," she said.
John Street left behind two small children, who were also on hand to remember their father. Donielle Street said she also wanted to thank the community for their support after her husband's death.
"The support has been amazing and overwhelming," she said. "We would not have made it without the support of the men and women in law enforcement."
This story was originally published January 9, 2016 at 2:33 PM with the headline "Residents show support for 'Thin Blue Line' that weaves through fabric of Coast ."