South Lake Tahoe rally held to support local law enforcement

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Almost 200 people showed up Saturday to display their support of South Lake Tahoe law enforcement during a rally on a national day to "Bridge the Blue."

The supporters gathered at the entrance to the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) and South Lake Tahoe Police buildings before many of them joined a walk down Johnson Boulevard to US50 over to Lakeview Commons and down Al Tahoe, then back to the beginning.

"We support the police," explained local organizer Nancy Fagen who was proudly carrying a 'Blue Lives Matter' flag. "Half of the force were born and raised here in South Lake Tahoe."

Her son is an officer with the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD).

Joining those at the rally were members of SLTPD, EDSO and USFS law enforcement.

"They were front line heroes working with COVID-19, and now they are the bad guys," said Fagen.

Many of those who were participating carried flags and signs calling to 'Defend the Police,' 'Mr. Rogers Trusted the Police, and I Do Too,' 'Back the Blue, and 'Thank You.'

The group was greeted by cars honking their horns in support, and a few trucks from Sierra Tahoe Ready Mix decorated with police and American flags followed the group as they walked.

This rally was just one of 14 held in California Saturday and others around the country that were to demonstrate support for law enforcement. Bridge the Blue, a Texas nonprofit founded in 2017, aims to “awaken the silent majority” and "unite cops and communities."

After the nationwide rallies there was a live streaming event on their website that featured educational programs.