March 29, 2024

Let blue lights shine

A couple of weeks ago I stopped at a convenience store and pulled up next to a police squad car. My son quickly waved and smiled at the officer behind the wheel. I didn’t recognize the officer, so I asked my son if he knew him. He didn’t, he said, he just wanted to say hi and hopefully give him some encouragement if he had a long night ahead. I was so proud of that comment.

As a journalist I’ve been uniquely positioned to work with law enforcement on a regular basis. As a matter of informing the public of safety issues from road conditions to serious crimes, reporters depend on law enforcement agencies to get timely and accurate information to our community.

Having worked in a few cities leading different newsrooms, it’s been important to me to have strong, professional relationships with local law enforcement. When I began working in Newton nearly two years ago, the Newton Police Department and Jasper County Sheriff’s Office were among a few of my first visits. Having strong communication with these departments continues to be important to me.

What we do goes well beyond printing the police blotter, which is most certainly only a minor glimpse into local law enforcement activity. While it’s our responsibility to publish public records, we take greater privilege in knowing those who are serving our communities.

Inserted into today’s newspaper you will find our Salute to Law Enforcement, a special section we are introducing for the first time in conjunction with Police Week. Having launched a similar project at a previous post, I was anxious to see if local agencies would consider partnering with us to celebrate a Law Enforcement Employee of the Year. Gratefully, they were.

Nominations were accepted internally at the sheriff’s office and NPD and a Newton Daily News panel made the final selection. As a result, you have a great story to read about Officer Brian Foster, and I get to present the award to him on Thursday at the Peace Officer Memorial ceremony.

Law enforcement employees, much like firefighters and EMS personnel, are typically very humble. They see their exceptional work as just part of the job and their role as just one member of a team. But I think Police Week is a great opportunity to recognize a job well done. I hope this recognition is the beginning of a longstanding tradition at the Newton Daily News.

One of the cool, simple ways you can show your support this week for the brave men and women who serve our community is Project Blue Light. You can pick up blue light bulbs for $10 at the Newton Police Department and support the Police Memorial at the NPD. Just leave your porch light on this week and say thanks.

It’s my hope that when an officer drives by our house and sees the pillars at the end of our driveway are lit up blue, they will realize how much they are appreciated. Perhaps it will provide some encouragement for a long night ahead.

Contact Abigail Pelzer

at apelzer@newtondailynews.com