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Charlotte turns blue to honor police officers

CHARLOTTE,N.C. — This week a simple blue ribbon is becoming a symbol of unity in Charlotte in hopes to strengthen the bond between police officers and the communities they serve.

Residents and officers have come together to turn Charlotte blue to support the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department as the entire nation honors fallen officers for police week.

"I've always loved police officers," Trisha Norket told a crowd at police headquarters Monday.

She shared her lifelong appreciation for law enforcement, including her late son, killed in the line of duty in 1993.

"My son told me, ‘Mama, love my brothers and sisters,’" she said about her son John Burnette.

Norket and other supporters are encouraging the community to honor officers for the risks they take every single day by covering the city in a sea of blue ribbons.

"My hope is we can tie and unite in the community as we support and appreciate CMPD," organizer Jessica Burns said.

Chief Kerr Putney is grateful for the outpouring of support.

"It's an honor to have community members step up," he said.

The wave of appreciation comes as his officers battle a rise in crime. Earlier this month, he revealed crime is up in nearly every major category over last year. The department is also pushing out positive images of community policing to counter negative stories about police in the national spotlight.

"We say ‘thank you’ to the silent majority who aren't always so vocal when everybody else is taking shots at our profession but we know you exist. And because you're there, we are going to be OK," Putney said.

The ribbons are available at all 13 precincts and headquarters and police hope people will come and pick them up and build relationships with officers.

Officers team up with Special Olympics for torch run

Tuesday morning's rain didn't stop Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers from running through Charlotte.

CMPD teamed up with the Special Olympics for the annual torch run.

Officers departed CMPD headquarters for the police training academy alongside Special Olympic athlete Robin Callaway.

She told Channel 9 she's honored to have their support.

“It's helped me believe in myself, accomplish my goals, showcase my abilities and make lots of friends,” Callaway said.

The Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office will pick up the torch from CMPD, and its final stop is in Raleigh.

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