Chicago-area residents show support for police

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Signs of support for the men and women in blue are popping up across the city and the suburbs.

Whether it be a few words of encouragement or dropping off cookies or pizza to the station, law enforcement officers throughout the city and suburbs are getting lots of support from citizens.

Much of it is in response to the murders of those officers in Dallas.

Blue balloons, flowers and signs in support for the men and women who wear the badge. Over the weekend, a large group rallied in front of the Jefferson Park District station.

"It's been great because we don't get a lot of pats on the back... rarely from outside," said Cmdr. William Looney/Chicago police.

Even as protesters against police violence marched and rallied downtown, many others have been demonstrating support for police. In the aftermath of the murders of five officers in Dallas last week, police in many Chicago-area communities are getting cards, flowers and gifts from citizens, including kids like Travis Hall, who stopped a couple Elmhurst officers to give them a sign. It is a morale booster during a difficult time.

An official with the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police said a large number of officers from the area is planning a caravan to Dallas later this week for memorial services of those officers who were killed.