By DON STINE
A thin blue line – a traditional symbol used by law enforcement – will soon appear on roads near the Ocean Township police station in a show of support for police.
“It is something to remind people to support our police. It shows that we are behind them and just another thing to do to show our support. I hope residents get behind this and do what they can to support our police,” Mayor Christopher Siciliano said.
The Township Council recently passed a resolution authorizing painting the thin blue line. Siciliano said that idea was given to him by a Wanamassa resident.
The blue line, painted between the two yellow lines, will be on a few hundred yards in front of the police station, painted both on Monmouth and Deal Roads. Siciliano said he expects the lines to be painted before cold weather sets in.
Police Chief Steven R. Peters said he appreciates the council’s recognition if the police department, which means a lot to all officers in the department.
“I think we are all humbled by it and it helps install a sense of pride in the police department. It is nice that the work that we do is recognized and we are fortunate to have a mayor and council that supports us,” he said.
Peters said that police department have seen some negative coverage in the media lately and that the thin blue line is a symbol of appreciation.
“It lets out officers know they are highly thought of,” he said.
Other towns in New Jersey, like Secaucus, Marlboro and Manalapan, have taken similar actions and the blue line program is also done in other states. Ocean Township, however, is an early participant in the program.
The Thin Blue Line is a symbol used by law enforcement, originating in the United Kingdom but now also prevalent in the United States and Canada. The blue line commemorates fallen officers and shows support for living law enforcement officers.
The term came into broad use after the release of Errol Morris’ 1988 documentary film “The Thin Blue Line,” about the murder of Dallas police officer Robert W. Wood. Other organizations have similar line programs, for example an orange line for search and rescue personnel; or a red line for firefighters.
