Project Blue Light comes to Presque Isle
State Street Baptist Church officials recently asked members to replace their red and green Christmas decorations with something a little different – blue lights. The purpose was to begin Project Blue Light, a movement begun in honor of fallen police officers. It has since grown to include all police officers and is now recognized nationwide.
State Street’s Secretary, Ruth Leland, was the one to suggest the idea to her congregation. She and her husband, Bob, were visiting a friend in Connecticut who works as a police chaplain. Their friend shared with them how much Project Blue Light meant to the police officers in his area.
State Street Baptist is planning on displaying their blue lights throughout the winter months of January and February. “I would like to see lots of blue lights in lots of houses in Presque Isle,” Leland Ireland said. He’s hoping the movement will grow so that next year Presque Isle’s police force will see support shining from windows all over town.
Pastor Buck Booker and Leland Ireland recently visited both the police and fire departments with gift boxes filled with items and snacks donated by State Street’s congregation.
Pastor Booker explained their desire in beginning Project Blue Light to Police Chief Matt Irwin.
“We want officers patrolling to know that those blue lights represent families that support them and are praying for them,” he said.
The police and fire department chiefs accepted their gift boxes with gratitude and expressed appreciation that members of the community recognized the work their departments do.
Anyone interested in learning more about Project Blue Light can contact State Street Baptist at statebaptist2001@yahoo.com.
