Senator Farley Reminds Constituents That Feb. 8th Is "blue Friday"

"Blue Friday" falls on Friday, February 8th, this year, according to State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C - Schenectady).

Blue Friday originally started in 2005 as a salute to law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty. "2005 was the first year that this commemorative day was observed," Senator Farley explained. "I worked with radio station WGNA in creating this official day in New York State to salute fallen law enforcement officers, and to support the families of fallen officers."

This year, Blue Friday will salute both the officers that make sacrifices every day to keep us safe and those who lost their lives in the line of duty, Senator Farley said.

The New York State Senate invited local law enforcement officials and staff at WGNA to the Senate Chambers on February 5th when the Senate passed the resolution honoring Blue Friday 2008.

Senator Farley said staff at WGNA is once again spearheading a fund-raiser effort on Blue Friday to raise money for the Capital District Chapter of C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors), an organization that helps law enforcement families. WGNA will be selling blue carnations for $5, as well as Blue Friday T-shirts, sweatshirts and lapel pins, on Friday, February 8th, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., at DeNooyer Chevrolet on Wolf Road in Colonie, and at Pizzeria Uno located off of the Northway at Exit 15. WGNA's morning show personalities Sean McMaster and Richie Phillips will be hosting a live-broadcast at DeNooyer Chevrolet and Chris Sousis will be at Pizzeria Uno.

C.O.P.S. was organized in 1984 and has grown into an organization with 48 chapters throughout the United States and an affiliate in the United Kingdom. Its mission is to help rebuild the lives of survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty by serving as a clearinghouse for federal and state benefits information and resources that may be available to the surviving families.

"It is so tragic that between 140 and 160 officers are killed in the line of duty every year," Senator Farley said. "It is not only a loss to their families but to the communities that they served."

"We recognize this annual event in the New York State Senate and I was proud to once again have the WGNA team on hand as the State resolution was introduced in the Senate Session," Senator Farley said. "I encourage my fellow Senate colleagues and my constituents to wear the color blue on February 8th to show respect for those killed in the line of duty and to show how grateful we are for the service of the brave men and women who are currently serving in law enforcement."

To view Senator Farley's remarks on "Blue Friday,"click here.For more information on the event, visit WGNA's website here.