Local firm shows support for police
LIMERICK >> In the aftermath of the recent police shootings in Baton Rouge and Dallas that left eight officers dead, a wave of support for law enforcement has poured over the country. Now one area business and many in the community have begun showing their support for those in our area who serve and protect.
Signarama Limerick, 112 W. Ridge Pike, posted on its Facebook page Tuesday that it has begun selling lawn signs for $20 featuring a message of support for police. In an effort to support police around the country following the deaths of eight officers in Baton Rouge and Dallas, Signarama Limerick has begun printing lawn signs that reads “We support our police.” Proceeds will benefit the Limerick Township Police Association.
“We really want to show our support,” Signarama owner Phil White said, “but we didn’t want to monopolize on it.”
That’s why the company will donate proceeds to the Limerick Township Police Association. The black and blue striped signs feature an illustration of a tattered American flag with a message that reads “We support our police” in large, white lettering.
The company sold out of its first batch of 50 signs in less than two days and is already taking pre-orders for the next batch of 100, White said.
“That shows you how many people are interested here,” he said. While the business is closed on weekends, signs will still be available for purchase at Vince and Tony’s Restaurant or at the Limerick Fire Company.
White initially got the idea for the lawn signs after taking banner orders from Xpo Business Equipment and the Limerick Fire Company. The
two organizations were looking to display messages supporting police. White liked the idea and made a similar banner for himself. He then realized others would probably like to show their support too, though they’d want something a little smaller. Lawn signs would do the trick, he said.
That led White to contact Limerick Township Police Chief Brian Skelton to see what could be done with the proceeds. Skelton recommended donating the money to the Limerick Township Police Association.
Cpl. Fitz Duffy who heads the police association said while he doesn’t know what the final total will be, the money will support groups the department has helped in the past — namely families of nearby officers killed in the line of duty and the Make-A-Wish foundation, which the association holds an annual golf fundraiser for in October.
“The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming,” Duffy said. “As bad as things have gotten, it’s very comforting. You don’t
see it every day. Unfortunately sometimes it takes tragedy to bring it out, but the guys know it’s there.”
Skelton agreed saying the department has been overwhelmed with cases of water, baked goods, cards from children, flowers under the wiper blades of police vehicles and a steady stream of supporters coming through the door just to say thank you.
“I can’t express the gratitude the officers have for the community support we’ve received so far,” he said. “I personally speak for the men and women of Limerick Township Police when I say thank you to the people who’ve dropped off gifts, cards and shook hands.”
While the support has been a big boost for the officers during a dark time, Skelton encouraged the community to remember to seek out charities and help them too.
As he continues to take orders for signs, White said he’s not sure when the wave of support for law enforcement will end but he plans to keep printing just the same.
“As long as people want them,” he said. “We’ll keep selling them.”