SUSSEX COUNTY, Del. -- On Thursday, in honor of National Police Week, volunteers drove up Route 13 in a caravan, making stops along the way to thank local police officers for their hard work and service.
"Back the Blue" caravan chairman Drew Sunderlin says he first came up with the idea in 2018.
"I read an article about the police chief in Oceanview, Delaware, Ken McLaughlin, and it was such a complimentary, nice article," says Sunderlin. "Having a son who is currently the commander of Troop K of the Pennsylvania State Police, I know how often the police don't always get, let's say, the best coverage. So, I told my wife we needed to do something in Delaware for law enforcement throughout Sussex County."
Twelve cars, decked out with handmade signs and Back the Blue flags, were part of the caravan on Thursday. They made six stops along the route, meeting with officers from the Delmar, Laurel, Seaford, Blades, Bridgeville, and Greenwood Police Departments and Delaware State Police Troop 5.
"Getting to meet every one of them today and shake hands and getting that support and the 'thank yous' really hits home and it means a lot," says Greenwood Police Chief David Walton.
As part of the event, officers were asked to judge each of the 12 decorated cars in the caravan and pick their favorite. The winners were presented with the "Best in Show" award.