YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -

Executive officers with Shades of Blue, who represent over 150 years of experience between them, say for them, being in law enforcement is a calling. 

"I'm third generation. My grandfather was a deputy sheriff, my uncle and his son, and me after him," said Ronnie Casey, President of Shades of Blue.

 

Casey explained in the 50's and 60's black officers faced barriers and discrimination.

 

"That was when black officers weren't allowed to arrest a white person, they could detain them, but they had to wait for a white officer to make the arrest," added Casey.

 

They emphasize today there is still discrimination, when they are out of uniform some people eye them with suspicion as a possible criminal because of the color of their skin. 

 

When in uniform they often face a climate of hate towards police which has become worse over the past few years. 

 

That's why the law enforcement officers formed Shades of Blue to bridge a gap between law enforcement and society. 

 

The officers who protect and serve to help make the community more safe ask you not to judge them based on actions of a few bad officers around the country.

 

"The vast majority of law enforcement officers are good people. If I had to give a number I'd say 95 plus percent of police officers, both black, and white, Hispanic, or whatever are good people, emphasized," Will Harris, The Public Relations Officer for Shades of Blue

 

The group believes being good role models for kids and teens, along with raising money for scholarships will help other young African American men women become part of the solution to help keep kids, families and the elderly safe.

 

"We can illustrate to the community it's a rewarding career. It's a very respectable career and I would respect anyone who would come on board," added Harris.

 

Shades of Blue has held fundraisers for scholarships and has paid for two people to go to the Police Academy. They completed and they now work for Youngstown Police Department. 

 

 Shades of Blue will continue to hold fundraisers for scholarships to help young men and women also reach their calling of becoming a police officer.

 

You can find out more about the non profit organization Shades of Blue Police Association at shadesofblueoh.com