Scott Swanson
Nearly 200 Sweet Home residents lined Main Street in front of the Sweet Home Police Department Wednesday evening, June 24, in a rally to support police officers.
The “Back the Blue” event, organized by retired SHPD Community Services Officer Gina Riley, was one of many similar demonstrations held across the nation in support of law enforcement.
“Actually, it came off just like we’d hoped,” Riley said. “I was happy to see the different groups of people. There was a lot of diversity, a lot of off-duty police and their families came.”
Participants held signs supporting law enforcement: “Honk for the Police,” “Support Local Law Enforcement,” and other slogans. Drivers responded by honking their horns as they drove by flag- and sign-waving supporters.
Several young women showed up in a counter-protest, driving by with hand gestures and running down the sidewalk in front of McDonald’s, yelling “black lives matter,” to which most rally participants shouted back “all lives matter.”
“I did not expect this many people,” said City Manager Ray Towry, standing on the sidewalk with the rest of the crowd. “This is fantastic. I’m glad the crowd didn’t engage with anyone. Everybody had a chance to express their opinions.”
Police Chief Jeff Lynn and some officers coming on duty walked along the line of people, greeting supporters and handing out some goodies to children. Lynn said the event was “incredible, overwhelming, really.”
“This is just a fantastic show of support,” he said, as car horns honked behind him. “Really, it’s one of the reasons we live in small communities. We choose where we want to live.
“Support like this, with all that’s going on in Oregon and the world, is really special for us and we really appreciate our entire community for showing this type of support.”
Riley and Lynn said the police department was not involved at all in organizing the rally.
“I think they were a little surprised,” Riley said, noting she just came up with the idea, posted it on her Facebook and invited a few friends.
“I don’t think they quite expected the turnout they got. Considering what we’re dealing with here locally and in other areas, I thought it was just a good time to let them know we care.”
She said she tried to count the participants, but lost count at 152.
Larry and Susan Angland, who volunteer at the Police Department, said they were happy to see the support.
“It’s nice to see our citizens and City Council, along with business people out, holding up signs,” Susan Angland said. “We have one dissenter, but that’s OK. We have the love of the police force out big today.”
Longtime local resident Joe Miller said it was the first time he’s ever participated in a demonstration.
“I’m really impressed with how many people showed up,” he said. “But we’re a small town. There’s a tremendous show of support here.
“You think about it, the police certainly deal with bad situations day in and day out.”
Riley said she’s being asked if “we can do it again.”
“It’s a definite possibility we will do that but we won’t be doing it every week,” she said, noting that a bigger crowd would make things more complicated “and put undue time on the Police Department,” particularly if it draws more with other views to express.
“The biggest part is making sure it is special.”