The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #36 in South Bend has announced the creation of a new project to encourage support for South Bend Police Officers and provide those same officers with more opportunities to give back and support their community.

“The brave men and women of the South Bend Police Department are living, working, and raising their families in this community,” South Bend FOP President Harvey Mills said.

“We’re launching Back the Blue South Bend with two specific goals: First, we want our officers who put their lives on the line every day to see how many people in the community support them. Second, we want to provide our officers with more opportunities to give back to the community they love.”

Back the Blue South Bend encourages people to buy blue light bulbs for their porch or other outside lights.

The FOP is encouraging everyone to post their blue lights on social media with the hashtag #BackTheBlueSB. Blue light bulbs are available at most local hardware stores or online.