In December 2014, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) invited partnering organizations to promote a day of appreciation for law enforcement all across the nation. Civil unrest was rampant after events unfolded in Ferguson, Missouri, and the silent majority of Americans were looking for a way to show support for peacekeepers who were under attack.

C.O.P.S. chose Friday, January 9, 2015, as the first National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (LEAD). The public was encouraged to show support on social media, wear blue clothing, send treats and cards of support to local agencies, shine blue lights from homes and businesses, and urge local and state government officials to officially declare January 9 as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. In more recent years, C.O.P.S. has developed the Blue Blood Drive, in which area blood collection agencies partner with C.O.P.S. chapters to collect blood donations in honor of law enforcement of the past, present and future.

January 9, 2025, marks the 10th anniversary of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. In those 10 years, it has been adopted by social media and holiday observance websites, declared official by numerous cities and states, and acknowledged by the president of the United States.

Law enforcement officers play such an integral part in our society. Without law enforcement officers, chaos would reign. No matter how many challenges they face, they continue to do their job and do it well. They are the guardians of our way of life and they deserve our support. 

In 2025, we once again call our nation’s citizens to action in support of law enforcement. Those citizens who appreciate law enforcement are encouraged to take time on January 9 to show their support. If posting on social media, show your support by using #lawenforcementappreciationday and/or #COPSThanksCops. 

For more ways to show your support, please visit concernsofpolicesurvivors.org.