FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Todd Hallidy
Phone: (302) 577-8314
Date: November 13, 2001
 

A.G. BRADY HELPS LAUNCH 'PROJECT' HONORING FALLEN OFFICERS
 

(Wilmington, DE) -- Flanked by law enforcement officers and representatives of a national organization benefitting the families of fallen officers, Delaware Attorney General M. Jane Brady today called on Delaware citizens to participate in the annual "Project Blue Light" observance. Sponsored nationally by Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc. (COPS), Project Blue Light began several years ago in Philadelphia. Citizens are being encouraged to shine blue lights at their homes and businesses during the holiday season to honor those law enforcement officers who have given their lives in service to their profession and to thank officers who continue to serve and protect their communities. The loss of dozens of officers from the New York Police Department and the Port Authority Police Department on a single day, September 11th, adds to the significance of this year's observance.

Attorney General Brady noted, "We should never forget the sacrifices that the men and women in law enforcement make everyday to assure the safety of all of us in Delaware. Project Blue Light will keep them and their loved ones in our thoughts during this season of peace."

The Attorney General was joined today by the family of fallen Delaware State Trooper Sandy Wagner, who was killed in the line of duty on Good Friday in 1996. The Wagners have been active members of COPS, and Sandy's father Joe is a past regional Trustee for the national COPS organization. "It sure would be nice to see a blue light in every house in our area showing support for the officers who are out there protecting us everyday," he said.

Every year in November, to express their support and gratitude to the law enforcement community, the Wagners host an open house for officers and their loved ones at their home. The Wagners also coordinate Project Blue Light locally, and extended their thanks to representatives of Happy Harry's Discount Drug Stores for the annual donation of light bulbs and electric candles for the Project Blue Light observance.

Many types of blue lights may be used for the observance. Citizens may want to insert a blue bulb into the electric candles that are popular decorative items in windows during the holidays. They are known as "C-7" bulbs, and are available at many area retailers. Blue bulbs may also be used on strings of lights that adorn homes or Christmas trees. Using a blue bulb in a porch light is another idea.

COPS is a national non-profit based in Camdenton, Missouri and is comprised of nearly 10,000 families who assist the surviving families of officers killed in the line of duty as they rebuild their lives. That assistance includes financial help and supportive counseling. The Wagners and other members in our area are on "stand-by", and may be called to provide

support to families of officers killed in the World Trade Center attack. Additional information about COPS can be found at www.nationalcops.org .

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