A statewide billboard campaign has been launched in a show of support for law enforcement. Hundreds of digital billboards will display the message, “Home of the Free because of Georgia’s Brave,” along with an image of a police officer or a badge.
The Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia (OAAG) is behind the campaign. President and CEO Connor Poe says that the board came up with the idea…it’s one they’ve considered doing for many years, but a public service campaign isn’t something companies normally do on their own.
Poe says, “The board of the OAAG is always looking for ways to use our medium to show appreciation for those in our state who we partner with to make the state a safer place, i.e. GEMA, GBI, FBI, and local law enforcement.” Digital billboards are often used to alert the public to missing persons, Amber Alerts and wanted fugitives.
Law enforcement officials say they think officers will appreciate the message. Lt. Allan Rollins with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says, “It’s nice to know we have support from the community and that people are willing to spend time and money to show it.”
Over the past several weeks, law enforcement agencies have seen community support in the form of prayers, balloons, baked goods or just pats on the back.
The billboard campaign began in early August and has appeared on billboards across the state.