Recent national events involving law enforcement left that profession — in the minds of some — with a bit of a black eye. Because of that, Fred Shinn and Terrie Frankel wanted to do something to change that perception in their tiny corner of the world.

“We were watching everything that was going on in Ferguson [Mo.] and became frustrated because the people protesting against the officer were not on the grand jury and nor had they heard all the evidence,” Frankel said. “The only thing between us and anarchy is the police.”

The events in Ferguson, Mo., and New York City prompted the pair to create the website BlueLights4Police.com, which encourages residents and business to use blue light bulbs outside their homes and businesses to show support for the men and women in blue.

“We wanted to start it here and hope eventually that it becomes contagious as it spreads across the state,” said Shinn, who helped start the volunteer program for the Sedona Police Department a decade ago. “We’re hoping people will see it here and start it in their own communities. We want as many people as possible to be part of this effort.”

To read the full story, see the Friday, Feb. 6, edition of the Sedona Red Rock News.