Sun-News Reports and Steve Ramirez

Las Cruces Sun-News

LAS CRUCES - The city of Las Cruces is offering residents free yard signs that state “I SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT.”

The 18-inch-by-24-inch two-sided signs also show a black and white American flag with a blue stripe down the middle. The signs are similar in size to other types of yard signs that have been displayed outside of city residences.

The idea for the signs came from Mayor Ken Miyagishima, who recalled experiences he had with neighborhood playmates as a boy.

"Our next-door neighbor was a Las Cruces police officer, Danny Gonzales," Miyagishima said. "I remember we would be out in the yard playing. His wife would come out to the yard and tell her kids that their dad was going to work, and it was time for them to tell him goodbye. I remember everything stopped and they would all go over to him and give him a hug and a kiss.

"I was 7 years old and didn't understand it. So, one day I asked them why they did that. They told me 'you never know, he may not come home.' I never forgot that moment."

Earlier this year, Miyagishima proposed the project during a city council meeting. His idea came after the fatal shootings of Hatch Police Officer José Chavez, on Aug. 12, and Alamogordo Police Officer Clint Corvinus, on Sept. 2. Both officers were killed in the line duty.

"They're serving the community, serving the public, and people are shooting them like it's nothing," Miyagishima said. “This is a small token of appreciation for them (law enforcement). After my father retired from the Air Force, he was a volunteer in the mounted patrol. In my own way, I could feel what these guys were going through.

"This is a way to thank and support those women and men who work to ensure our safety each and every minute of every day."

Udell Vigil, city public information officer, said the city purchased 250 signs at a cost of $1,390. Miyagishima said as many as 500 signs could be made available if there is enough public interest. As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, 88 signs had been distributed to interested residents from the information booth in the lobby of City Hall, 700 N. Main St..

A supply of the signs is also available at the Las Cruces Police Department, 217 E. Picacho Ave. As supplies last, the signs will be available at City Hall or the police department from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. weekdays. People who want a yard sign are required to fill out a request form.

"I absolutely support law enforcement," said Las Crucen Sharon Fitzpatrick-Fletcher, who took home three signs. "My son came very close to being a police officer."

Fitzpatrick-Fletcher added she was a former neighborhood watch captain.

Steve Ramirez can be reached at 575-541-5452, sramirez@lcsun-news.com, or @SteveRamirez6 on Twitter.