By: David Ogden
January 23, 2023
- The thin blue line is about honor, sacrifice, and unity with fellow officers and the community we serve.
- It is possible to show support for law enforcement and condemn the actions of a few at the same time.
- The Line reminds us that we all have a choice; you can shine a light on the lives of others, or you cast one more shadow in this world.
Attacks and controversy surrounding using the “Thin Blue Line” symbol have surged over the past two years. Through the mid-20th century, the Line was used by some police agencies around the country. It reminded each law enforcement officer that their role was essential to the community; there are times when law enforcement can be all that stands between society and chaos. It is a solemn symbol that each officer should be willing to give their life in the line of duty to protect citizens. When we look at this Line, we are reminded of that commitment to sacrifice. And when that sacrifice is made, the Line is used to honor law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, more than 2,528 in the last ten years, and to support their grieving families.
Although the Line is a reminder of sacrifice to the living and honors the sacrifice of the fallen, some have created a negative narrative concerning the “Thin Blue Line.” Alleging it is associated with racism, hatred, and bigotry. Furthermore, suggesting it is evidence of a “code of silence” police officers use to cover up wrongdoing. I see this as an attempt to dishonor the things used to inspire honor and sacrificial service.
Regardless of the facts, we must stop misusing a few actions to attack everyone’s character. Taking symbols used to push us toward good and distorting them only creates more division. Not one of us wants to be judged by the negative actions of a few nor condemn or alter the meanings of the ways we honor the great things people do. Unity is not promoted by treating people with contempt.
I have spent over three decades in law enforcement. The “Thin Blue Line” represents a line we will never step across, never dishonor. On one side is selfless sacrifice, and on the other is dishonor. Those who act dishonorably are not worthy of the uniform, the badge, or the use of the meaning. When we stand together in unity speaking out against dishonor, we support each other and what this line truly represents. This is how we can both show support for law enforcement and condemn officers’ wrong behaviors. Supporting those who do good while calling out what needs to be better is vital to restoring civility, promoting unity, and earning trust.
Over the years, I have known nearly two dozen law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in this profession. Their sacrifice has never been in vain. In fact, by honoring them, we honor unity. Two of these heroes stand out to me and have impacted my life.
Deputy Michael Callin was murdered during a traffic detail. Recently, we honored his memory by supplying local law enforcement officers with a “Random Act of Kindness” by giving officers a small lunch cooler, several personal items, and a thank you letter inside. Furthermore, there were instructions on how officers can “pay it forward” to someone else in the community. Michael’s E.O.W. (End of Watch) was August 2, 2006. In 2020, his commitment to the “Thin Blue Line” provoked us to honor his name by promoting kindness and unity.
Fifteen months after I became Chief, we lost Officer Robert “Robbie” German in a senseless act of violence that shook the innocence of the little Town of Windermere. This was on March 22, 2014. Within days of Robbie’s sacrifice, the community rallied around our police department, placing blue ribbons throughout the entire Town in a moving show of support and unity. In the wake of that tragedy, we established a non-profit organization that continues to benefit the Central Florida community by supporting hundreds of local missions that help the less fortunate and actively promote unity within our community. We’ve been building and delivering beds, feeding the homeless, working with terminally ill children, and persistently tearing down the myth that there is a divide between law enforcement and the community; law enforcement has always been part of the community. Each time we serve others, we honor Officer German’s sacrifice. This is the essence of this thin blue line.
To suggest this image and its meaning is dishonorable is offensive to me. I promised the Callin and German families in 2006 and 2014 to honor their memories and stand beside their families, to honor the Line they stood by and ultimately died on. I promised their legacy would continue to impact our community positively, and I will keep that promise.
Members of our community who show support for officers by displaying the symbol or sending cards with the Line show kindness, support, love, and appreciation for the men and women and the family members of these heroes. I know all too well what this support means to members of the law enforcement community and the families of those who have lost their loved ones.
The Line is a powerful symbol of what is good, what is honorable, and what it means to sacrifice for others. That’s why so many are so passionate about it. The Line reminds us that we all have a choice; you can shine a light on the lives of others, or you cast one more shadow in this world.
About the Author
David A. Ogden is a successful executive with over 37 years of policing, serving, and leading the community. He is passionate about developing leadership initiatives for excellence, advocating for organizational health, and building elite law enforcement teams to achieve the mission of serving with excellence. Chief Ogden is the founder of “Got Your Six,” a first responder ministry.
