BEDFORD, Va. — D.J. Jessup said he could not just sit back and watch the hatred he saw posted on social media directed at law enforcement around in the country in the wake of controversial grand jury decisions in Ferguson, Missouri and New York City.

That is why Jessup, 32, created a Facebook event called “Blue Light Week.”

The former Petersburg Police officer and Sussex Sheriff’s deputy has encouraged people to replace their regular porch or outdoor house light with a blue light bulb.

He said doing so would not only show support for law enforcement, but would also honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“I know there are people who support what we do,” he said. “This is one way they can show that support.”

Jessup said he initially invited 190 Facebook friends to participate in Blue Light Week.

“In 24 hours people shared 28,000 invites,” he said.

By Tuesday afternoon, more than 31,000 people have been invited to participate in the event.

“We just want our children to grow up in a safe environment,” he said. “Many officers don’t ask for anything in return.”

Jessup’s Blue Light Week runs Jan. 1 to Jan. 7, 2015.