Law enforcement agencies caravan in the Columbus area to 'Light Ohio Blue'

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Law enforcement agencies from all around the state came together Tuesday for the Light Ohio Blue cruiser caravan.

The statewide campaign honors officers who died in the line of duty.

"I hope it sends a message of unity, strength, and bringing the community together bringing the state together," Columbus Police Officer Johnathon Johnson said.

As well as the family members they left behind.

"They realize that they’re not in this alone, that we’re all there no matter who it is from what agency, if they need assistance we’re there to help them," Pickaway County Sheriff Matthew Hafey said.

Over the last year, nine officers lost their lives on the job, including Bluffton Police Officer Dominic Francis who was tragically killed in March during a high-speed chase.

"He was one of those impact people in life, someone you want to know," Ohio State Highway Patrol Colonel Richard Fambro said. "He was involved in so many things outside his chosen profession as a police officer, he was embedded in the community, he was about all the right things that we want from people in service to this state."

The caravan was also a show of support for their fellow brothers and sisters in blue.

"It's important to come together like we are doing, just to know that even though we’re not on the same department, we’re all doing the same job and we all have each other's back," Columbus Police Officer Freddie Biehl said.

And a chance for the communities they serve, to say thank you as well.

"It means a lot," Fambro said. "State troopers, firefighters, police officers, sheriffs deputies, we are all people too and I think sometimes that gets lost that we have some of the same challenges that people in the community have."

The Light Ohio Blue campaign runs until May 21. The public is encouraged to show their support by putting out blue lights.