VIDEO: Back the Blue Movie Night Draws Crowd to Soccer Complex

By: Parker King

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)-

On Sunday evening, Columbus citizens invited local law enforcement and their families to the Columbus Soccer Complex for a movie night.

The name of the event was “Back the Blue”,  it was designed to show that officers aren’t being shown a blind eye by the community.

“I felt it might be beneficial to let the law enforcement families know that they’re appreciated,” said event organizer, Berry Hinds.

Organizers like Hinds have been planning this event since the early spring to allow enough time for the word to spread throughout the county.

Generous donations from across the city are what made the event possible.

The event received contributions from sponsors like Main Street Columbus, Clark Beverage, and Columbus CVB to name a few.

Officers came before the screening of the movie for free food and beverages expressed their gratitude.

“This means a lot to me, and of course it means a lot for our police officers and out deputies, because it’s a time where they can come together and socialize with one another, and it shows the support that the community has for our officers,” said Lowndes County Sheriff, Mike Arledge.

Across the nation, police officers have been in a negative spot light that some believe has hurt the reputation of law enforcement as a whole.

In Columbus, however, officers have a sense that their efforts are valued.

“Particularly the Columbus police department has gone through… over the last few months, with being short-handed, working long hours, and some of the press has not been the best. So that’s one reason we felt they need to know this community supports them,” said Hinds.

“I’ve always felt that Lowndes County and Columbus has got a lot of support for their police officers, even though you are hearing things in the nation that’s negative. I feel like we’ve got great support here in Lowndes County,” said Arledge.

The movie chosen for the evening was Kindergarten Cop, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.