After last week’s series of die-ins, a rally in solidarity for law enforcement took place on the steps of Old Main on Friday afternoon. Several students, emergency services personnel, and citizens voiced their gratitude for law enforcement despite the bad rap it has gotten in recent weeks.

Cassie Cigich and Dustin Neumann organized the event on Facebook to show support for first responders. Cigich wanted to make it clear that the rally wasn’t in reaction to the protests last week.

“We think generally law enforcement officers over the past few weeks have been grouped into this lump because people who don’t interact with police officers everyday are basing their views on recent media. We just want to remind people that they are out there every day keeping us safe.”

The rally for law enforcement saw a small crowd.

Penn State police chief Tyrone Parham was present at the rally to observe the crowd and was impressed by the turnout. “I’m amazed to see students, whatever the cause, out here at this time of the year with finals coming up.”

Parham said there was no heightened police presence and that there hasn’t been any extra safety concerns.

Penn State Police Chief Tyrone Parham talks to some supporters. 

You can view a gallery of the rally here.