“In light of the recent tragedies that have occurred involving law enforcement, a number of citizens have expressed that they want to show support for our Westmont Police Department,” said Trustee Bruce Barker, chair of the Westmont First Committee. “We know that they have an incredibly difficult job and we greatly appreciate our officers and all they do.”
“Showing appreciation for our Police Department is something that the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association does throughout the year,” said CPAAA Volunteer Dawn King. “But at this time, we want to go the extra mile.”
The Westmont CPAAA and Westmont First Committee have joined forces to work with local businesses and public agencies to provide blue ribbons and blue light bulbs that Westmont residents can pick up and display at their homes to show support for our Westmont Police Department.
Beginning August 11, Westmont residents and businesses can pick up the ribbons and/or bulbs while supplies last from the following locations: the Westmont Park District (75 E. Richmond Street), the Westmont Chamber of Commerce & Westmont Special Events (Westmont Centre, 1 S. Cass), and the Westmont Paint and Decorating (6372 S. Cass Avenue). Westmont citizens will be permitted to put the ribbons on parkway trees and mailbox post from August 11 to September 11. The show of support for our Police and emergency services will culminate with the Village’s 15th Anniversary Remembrance of 9-11. Westmont’s 9-11 Ceremony will be held on Sept. 11, 1:30 p.m. at the Westmont Police-Fire Facility at 500 N. Cass. The guest speaker for the ceremony will be Phil Klein, former Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, and a supporter of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. Klein will speak about the Memorial Foundation initiative and the importance of supporting officers killed in the line of duty.
Various Westmont businesses have jumped in to be part of the initiative. Westmont Paint donated $250 towards the purchase of blue lightbulbs, American Paper Company donated all of the ribbon for the project, and Bales Ace Hardware secured the price of the bulbs at cost. “We truly appreciate the support,” said Police Chief Tom Mulhearn. “In recent weeks, there has been a strong show of support for our officers and the work they do. It definitely helps with the morale of our department.”
The Westmont First Committee is also planning to work with the Westmont Library and DuPage County to create a “Diversity Dialogue” program that will focus on cultural differences. “With some of the unrest that comes with a diverse society, we think the key to moving in the right direction is communication,” said Barker. “We plan to schedule this event in the near future.”
For more information about this program, please contact us at communications@westmont.il.gov or 630-417-0280.
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Contact: Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont Communications Director
630-981-6245 - lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov
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