By Eric Stock
SPRINGFIELD – Gibson City has become the third city in the country to officially declare support for its police department in the face of rising police tensions through the country.
The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police hopes more communities will do the same.
”We urge all local governments throughout Illinois to follow their lead and make it known that the citizens of this state appreciate and support the difficult, dangerous and necessary work that police officers perform,” said FOP President Chris Southwood. “While some so-called celebrities use their fame to try and drive a wedge between police officers and the public, it’s gratifying and humbling that right here in the heartland, people recognize and appreciate good public service.”
Southwood was apparently referring to Quentin Tarrantino calling police ‘murderers’ at an anti-police rally in New York.
The resolution which the Gibson City Council unanimously adopted this week asks lawmakers to continue funding their protective equipment. It also calls for police to run their squad car lights in silence for one minute each Monday at 11 a.m. to honor those who have died on duty.
Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.
