Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (L.E.A.D.). On this day we show our support for our nation’s approximately 780,000 police officers who put a badge on each day, knowing they may face extremely dangerous situations while carrying out their duties. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognizes and thanks these brave men and women, including the Department’s frontline personnel, who protect and serve their communities to keep our Nation safe day after day.
DHS has a state-of-the-art training center, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), located in Glynco, Georgia, where in the men and women in blue learn the skills needed to do their job safely to ensure they make it home to their families each day.
Since 1970, FLETC has trained more than one million law enforcement professionals. FLETC’s mission is to train those who protect our homeland, including officers and agents who work for our more than 90 federal partner organization; state, local, campus and tribal law enforcement, and international law enforcement. All FLETC training strives to well equip every one of these individuals with the skills, tools and knowledge to protect and secure communities across our nation.
Today, DHS and FLETC encourage Americans to show their support of our law enforcement in one or more of the following ways:
- Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement
- Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency
- Share a positive story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media
- Ask children in your community to write letters in support of law enforcement
- Participate in Project Blue Light. Proudly display your blue light in support of law enforcement
- Most importantly, if you see a police officer, thank a police officer
On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and every day, DHS supports and recognizes all those who stand on the front lines and continue to keep our homeland secure.
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