CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — January 9 is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and those around the nation have the opportunity to thank those in law enforcement for their service and offer a token of respect.

Across the country on January 9th each year, citizens take the lead to show support on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.

There are several ways to show your support. Send a note of thanks to your local, county or state police agency. Wear blue, turn your social media channels blue or shine a blue porch light to show your support. Share your support using #NationalLawEnforcementAppreciationDay to share on social media.

Law enforcement jobs are often thankless and take them away from their families for long hours. Rarely do they know what their days have in store for them. Often law enforcement are the only paid emergency resource a community has. They work in coordination with other local, state, and federal organizations to make communities safer.

On National Law Enforcement Day, we have an opportunity to thank them for their service and offer a token of respect.

Since its inaugural celebration in 2015, many more organizations have joined forces to support National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day to spread encouragement and respect to these dedicated men and women.