Residents In Inland Empire Hold Rally In Support Of Police, Firefighters

EASTVALE (CBSLA.com) — Residents of the Inland Empire held a special rally in Eastvale on Thursday night in support of the men they call heroes.

KCAL9's Rachel Kim attended the rally and asked organizers what was behind the idea to show love to police and firefighters.

Crowds waved flags and cheerleaders yelled "L-O-V-E" and "We love our PD!"

At the intersection of Limonite and Hamner Avenues in Eastvale, it was all cheers, smiles and thumbs up for public safety officers who came from across Southern California.

"It's overwhelming." said event organizer Aimee Heredia of Wives of Law Enforcement and Firefighters, or WOLFF.

Heredia is the wife of an LAPD detective and event manager for WOLFF.

This rally was held to support and thank police officers for their service and sacrifice, especially in the wake of recent negativity and attacks on law enforcement.

"We felt this was a perfect time to bring everyone together just to remind them to be grateful," says Heredia.

"Never has it been so hard to say goodbye to my husband at night when he leaves for work," said Lori Young.

Her husband, the father of three, is a patrol officer with the Anaheim Police Department.

"He'll put his life on the line for anybody who needs it without hesitation. So, for me, it's hard thinking that there are people that are targeting police officers," Young said.

Kim reported that dozens of agencies were represented.

To Deputy Greg Hills of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, it meant a lot to see people lining the streets to support the thin blue line.

"It's a dangerous job. There are people out there who lose their lives; it affects family members," said Hills.

Kim asked Hills' son if he thought his dad was a hero.

"Yes. Because he helps people the way every hero does. As people say, you don't have to have a cape to be a superhero," said Andrew Hills.

Local businesses also supported the rally by offering discounts to anyone wearing blue.