Hard Rock turns lights blue, gives to 2 nonprofits in honor of National Police Week
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Hard Rock Casino Rockford is turning its lights blue and giving to two local nonprofits to honor law enforcement on Peace Officers Memorial Day during National Police Week.
The casino on Thursday hosted a small commemoration of Peace Officers Memorial Day, which pays tribute to those who have died in the line of duty, with local law enforcement leaders and Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli and Mayor Tom McNamara.
“We remember those who have lost their lives, support those who continue to serve and recommit ourselves to fostering strong partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they protect,” Chiarelli said. “So let’s never forget the price our officers have paid for our safety, and let us always stand in support of those who protect it.”
The casino also presented $1,000 each to Blue 815 and the Greg Lindmark Foundation to bolster their efforts to support law enforcement training and provide mental health resources for first responders.
Blue 815’s mission is to foster trust between law enforcement and the community through sharing information and education about police officers’ work. They also provide grants that help officers participate in training and seminars that will improve their service to the community.
The Greg Lindmark Foundation helps support law enforcement and first responders’ mental health through awareness and free confidential counseling services.
“Having an organization like Hard Rock come through and recognize that today is Peace Officers Memorial Day and this week is National Police Week is huge for our community. When we haven’t had a tragedy right in the immediate timeframe the community can sometimes forget,” said Andrea Cox, chairwoman of Blue 815 and cousin to Jaimie Cox, who was killed in the line of duty in November 2017. “Our families hold this day dearly, and it means everything to us when people can just pause and recognize.”
Starting Thursday evening, you’ll see the exterior lights of Hard Rock, 7801 E. State St., illuminated in blue through Memorial Day on May 26. Hard Rock said that’s designed to be a visible symbol of support for law enforcement throughout the region. The casino’s interior guitar chandelier, which is modeled after a Rick Nielsen checkerboard guitar, will also be lit blue.
“It sends out a powerful, powerful message, not only to law enforcement but it sends it out to the community that when business leaders and community leaders stand with us it makes us stronger,” Sheriff Gary Caruana said. “It helps us do our job and show that we’re together, partnering.”
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
