BANGOR, Maine — Waving signs and flags, people from several Greater Bangor communities showed their appreciation Friday for local law enforcement at a time when many police officers around the country are feeling like they’re under siege.
Based on the honks from passers-by, it was clear that many others support those whose job is to protect and serve.
Friday’s rally on the Joshua Chamberlain Bridge linking Bangor and Brewer was among many taking place around the state and the nation in recent months as a counterpoint to anti-police protests in the aftermath of a series of officer-involved shootings.
While not involved in organizing the event, area law enforcement officials from both sides of the Penobscot River acknowledged the community’s gesture by driving slowly past their supporters on the bridge.
The rally drew more than 20 people at its 4 p.m. start and was expected to involve more before coming to an end two hours later.
Among those on hand were four generations of state Rep. Dick Campbell’s family — including his father, Ed Campbell, son Chad Campbell and grandson Kalyx Campbell.
“I’ve been disappointed with the media on the anti-police [coverage] so what can I do locally?” Campbell said when asked why he helped organize the rally. “I wanted spontaneity. I wanted it to be, ‘Hey, let’s drop by and do this.’ It was nice. We enjoyed it.
“It’s for local support of our police, troopers and deputies. And we don’t get a chance as citizens to do that much, so we’re hoping people get a chance to go by and toot their horns in support,” he said.
Other elected officials from Greater Bangor also were on hand, including state Rep. Archie Verow.
“I’m here to support all law enforcement — forest rangers, game wardens, police, fire — anybody that’s out there protecting us,” Verow said. “It’s a tremendous responsibility that they have.”
As executive director of the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, Dennis Marble works closely with local law enforcement.
“In our case, people who are working with the homeless rely on Bangor PD and other first responders seriously, and these guys don’t get enough credit and understandably should get tired of some of things they’re having to do on the street that isn’t ‘police work.’ It’s social work, human services stuff,” Marble said.
The Bangor-Brewer rally was not the only show of support for law enforcement on Friday. In Windham, Eddie’s Roadside Graffiti Grill served up free lunches to all law enforcement officers who went to the food truck.