The Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police is encouraging residents to install a blue light bulb on their porches to support police.

Project Blue Light is a nationwide display of support for law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and those who currently serve their communities.

“Every day, law enforcement officers show up to work and put their lives on the line for us — and not all of them always get to go home,” said Dwane Pacheco, the Rock Springs police chief and president of the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police (WASCOP).

As an example of the everyday dangers faced by law enforcement officers, he noted Converse County Deputy Bryan Gross, who died in 2011 while rescuing a 14-year-old girl from the North Platte River. Gross, 29, dove into the river without hesitation and threw the girl toward safety before himself being swept away.

“This is just one of thousands of heroic acts that law enforcement makes daily. It is through his sacrifice and the sacrifice of law enforcement throughout this nation that we ask that you participate in Project Blue Light,” Pacheco wrote.

Thanks to donations from WASCOP, Menards of Casper and the Bryan Gross Memorial Foundation, a limited number of blue light bulbs are available at local police departments and sheriff’s offices (with a limit of one per residence). Bulbs are available at the Powell Police Department and the Cody Law Enforcement Center. 

“Let us show our Wyoming pride and support for those who keep us safe and answer the 911 call when we make it!” Pacecho said.