Kim Gray, left, and Bryson Johnson hold up one of the signs that will be for sale throughout the county. Johnson said he’s already sold several in the Soddy-Daisy community, and that response thus far has been good.A group of concerned citizens have banded together to raise money for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
Led by Soddy-Daisy residents Kim Gray and Bryson Johnson, the group is selling yard signs that read “Back the Blue,” with proceeds going to fund equipment for cadets in training to become deputies.
The signs are about two feet wide and 18 inches tall, and are completely weatherproof. The group is selling them for $10 apiece.
Johnson and Gray said they were inspired to do something after seeing massive amounts of negativity toward the local police on social media. Despite the many news stories he said have tarnished public opinion of police officers, he said he believes that most officers work every day for the betterment of the public.
“They put up with it every day and still do their job. Maybe we can get some more respect for them and appreciation for what they do out there,” he said. “I think it would be better for everyone.”