WINNETKA : Groups to Display Support for Police

Winnetka Neighborhood Watch groups have begun a campaign to show their support for the Los Angeles Police Department by handing out blue ribbons to West Valley residents.

“We were just sitting around one day and we decided that we wanted to do something special to show our support for police,” said Virginia Huber, a member of the Community Police Advisory Board. “The blue ribbons can be tied to car antennas or the tiny bows can be worn to work.”

The board got the idea for the blue ribbons from the O. J. Simpson trial when attorneys wore pendants resembling blue ribbons on their lapels in support of law enforcement, Huber said.

The concept originated from a Police Department support campaign initiated by Councilwoman Laura Chick.

“The manufacturer was so far behind in production of the pins that we decided to do something similar, but something inexpensive and that could be rapidly produced,” Huber said.

The idea went over well with the LAPD’s West Valley Division, which covers Winnetka.

“When officers see ribbons on cars around the area, they know there are people out there who really support them,” said Senior Lead Officer John Futrell. “It gives them the shot of adrenaline they need to do the job.”

The ribbons are available for a donation of 25 cents. For information, call the West Valley Division at (818) 756-8542.