Thin Blue Line Community Walk honors fallen officers

In 1962 President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day — a day to recognize, remember and honor law-enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. The calendar week in which May 15 falls is National Police Week.

During this week police departments all over the country hold events to honor officers. In Wooster the Thin Blue Line Community Walk will take place at the Wooster High School Follis Field on Saturday morning, May 18.

In the United States in 2023, 135 officers lost their lives in the line of duty.

“The walk was started here in Wooster as a way to build awareness of the sacrifices that officers nationwide have made serving their communities,” said April Teichmer, patrolman and school resource officer. “The term ‘thin blue line’ refers to the concept that police serve as the line between order and chaos in society — the color blue, due to the color of our uniforms, in a field of black, or chaos.”

The walk, started in 2017, originally took place downtown and was shifted to the high school when the police department offices were moved. The high school offers ample parking and restrooms, with the walk held on the track. An officer will play music during the morning, and participants can collect lap beads — in blue and black — in order to count how many laps they’ve walked. There is no distance requirement to participate.

No volunteers are needed; however, donations of bottled water would be welcome. Anyone interested in donating can email Teichmer at ateichmer@woosteroh.com. For questions regarding the event, call 330-287-5720.

The Thin Blue Line Community Walk will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at Wooster High’s Follis Field on Oldman Road. There is no registration needed for the free event, and families including well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome. Walkers may arrive at any time and walk as much or as little as they choose.

“It is a time to reflect and honor those that we have lost,” Teichmer said. “Anyone wishing to show support for law enforcement should come.”