Monday, January 9, 2023, was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in the United States. The Golden Valley Police Department, like so many other departments across Minnesota, posted a social media message recognizing this important day for the men and women who serve their communities, including our very own Golden Valley police officers.
Our social media post also included an image of the thin blue line flag. While the post was intended to thank our police officers, it appears the image offended some who viewed it. For this, I sincerely apologize.
For many, the thin blue line flag has always represented a way to honor the commitment we make as first responders to protect our community. It is disappointing that in recent years the flag’s positive intention has been tarnished with divisive undertones and actions. We do not want to promote these negative connotations.
I saw and read the comments from some community members, and I want you to know we value your thoughts regarding this important matter. While I don’t want to go into detail about the purpose of the thin blue line flag, I encourage those interested to click the link below to learn about the history of the flag and the intent of its creator. As the police chief, on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and Peace Officers Memorial Day, it’s my duty to honor and recognize the men and women who serve this great city. Additionally, it is my job to make the public aware of these important days for the men and women of law enforcement and their families.
In the future, the Golden Valley Police Department will use images that do not bring unwarranted controversy between the police and the public.
The men and women of the GVPD are committed to improving the relationship between police and the community. We are steadfast in our mission of making Golden Valley a safer place to live, work, and play. We strive to be a police department the residents of Golden Valley can be proud of, and we work hard to be better tomorrow than we are today. When we make mistakes, we acknowledge them, correct them when possible, and learn from them. Thank you for working with us so we may continue to grow and improve to meet the highest standards of excellence.
Learn more about the thin blue line flag here. https://www.themarshallproject.org/2020/06/08/the-short-fraught-history-of-the-thin-blue-line-american-flag
Virgil L Green, Sr
Golden Valley Police Chief