Merced wears blue to honor law enforcement

City officials and citizens of Merced honored law enforcement officers Wednesday by wearing blue, displaying blue balloons and lighting candles as part of the “Back the Blue” campaign.

Merced Police Department volunteers handed out blue balloons and bracelets in front of the police station on 22nd Street, which was decorated with banners, American flags and balloons.

“Today is about backing the badge, where citizens show their appreciation for the efforts that officers are rendering in their community,” said Merced police Capt. Bimley West. “It’s a gesture from our community to law enforcement. It’s a day of recognition.”

Councilman Mike Murphy was among supporters who expressed appreciation of police officers by writing notes of thanks or encouragement onto balloon-shaped papers collected at the event.

This story was originally published September 30, 2015 at 6:10 PM with the headline "Merced wears blue to honor law enforcement."