Superior Lights Up Blue In Support Of Law Enforcement

Community members in Superior are handing out blue light bulbs for the city’s Night of Blue event. People are encouraged to leave a blue light on Tuesday night to show support for law enforcement.

Co-organizer Keith Kern said officers could use more support after recent police killings in Texas and Louisiana.

“They do a wonderful job keeping our community safe. Their job isn’t easy … and just really like to see the whole town lit up in blue to show their support,” Kern said.

Superior Police Chief Nick Alexander said officers are facing more scrutiny and criticism.

“But, I think overall, our community recognizes that law enforcement’s out there doing the right thing and keeping people safe and helping their communities on a daily basis,” Alexander said.

He said more than 1,200 light bulbs are being passed out around the city, including at Kwik Trip locations, the Superior Public Library and the City Clerk’s Office.

Douglas County Sheriff Tom Dalbec said it’s been discouraging that officers involved in shootings are giving others a bad name.

“Locally, I don’t think it’s a huge issue,” said Dalbec. “Of course, if the issue were to ever rear its ugly head, it’s going to be dealt with and it’s going to be dealt with appropriately and swiftly.”

Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen said police shootings and killings are dividing the country.

“It’s just like we’re going back in time,” Hagen said. “To me, what’s the answer, I think a lot of communication and people coming together.”

Hagen hopes the lights will serve as one way to unite the community. Other departments around the state, including the Brown County Sheriff’s Department and Green Bay police, are handing out blue lights as part of National Night Out, a nationwide event to improve relations between police and communities.