Rally For Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Stormed By Protesters
DENVER (CBS4) - A pro-police rally was held at Civic Center Park on Sunday and some people were not happy about the event.
Gov. John Hickenlooper declared Sunday Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, but some who showed up at the rally weren't as appreciative as others as the rally was stormed by protesters. But citizens and community organizations who came to show their appreciation stood their ground.
"Every day when they put their uniform on they know that there's a chance that they may not go home," Sharon Gibson with Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) said. "We have to support those who put their lives on the line to protect us."
Gibson lost her brother seven years ago. Aurora Police Officer Doug Byrne was killed in the line of duty.
"You're in shock, you're in disbelief, you're angry," Gibson said.
"They work a selfless job, they just do, they are there to serve," rally organizer Ron MacLachlan said.
MacLachlan says he's tired of all the negative attention law enforcement has been getting.
"The way we have been demeaning and dehumanizing the police force and law enforcement in our community over the last year in a half, it's really taken away a sense of community for children," he said.
The rally at times turned into a sort of standoff between law enforcement and the protesters but remain mostly peaceful.