By Cindy Fertsch
“When I grew up, you respected police officers. 99% of police officers are good people. Just as in any other profession, sometimes people do the wrong thing,” said
Nyssa Beckman, Egg Harbor Township resident and founder of the Facebook group EHT BACK THE BLUE.
“When I saw the video of our EHT police officers being harassed as they got out of their vehicles, in their own parking lot, it didn’t sit well with me,” said Beckman. ” That’s when I decided to do something to show my support and began organizing with other like-minded members of the community.” That was September 22nd and in the less than two weeks the group has risen in number to over 700.
EHT BACK THE BLUE has delivered food and is collaborating with local restaurants to donate meals. “The police department is very appreciative and it is fantastic to see the community showing up for our officers,” shared Beckman. Another plan is in the works that would involve creating a personal card for each officer. “There is great value in a handwritten note of appreciation,” said Beckman. “We would love to see children be involved with this as well.”
Beckman, of Egg Harbor Township, is mom to Stella, age 4 and is expecting her second child in February. She reports that her daughter is very excited about the group and loves police officers along with first responders.
“I do not believe in defunding the police. Maybe they do need more training, but the community also needs more training….on how to interact with people respectfully, without being confrontational,” said Beckman.
If you would like to learn more or support EHT BACK THE BLUE go to Facebook.com/EHTBACKTHEBLUE
