The Path to Blue

by Linda Searles April 18, 2018

Police Week, the national week set aside to honor our fallen American Law enforcement officers, is less than one month away. During this week, the community comes together to show their support, spirit, and love of our police officers. This year, we are proud to welcome Tinley, law enforcement’s biggest little supporter, to Police Week in Washington DC to continue her inspiring mission that began a few years ago. Tinley Blue

In September of 2017, we highlighted some of Tinley's heartfelt journeys through a video article and tribute. Tinley’s story became well known across the country and inspired many people to reach out to Thin Blue Line USA to find ways they can become as involved in their communities as Tinley. In December of last year, she ended the year helping her mother, Jamie, collect items from Thin Blue Line USA for gift baskets that were being donated for a silent auction she would be attending. Tinley made her way through Collinsville Police Department in Illinois during Christmas Eve, where she went on a tour with Officer Tisch. Before she said goodbye, Tinley gave Officer Tisch a Saint Michael challenge coin for protection, and it was her way of saying thank you for his stalwart service. During her travels, she stopped off at the Nashville Police Department in Illinois to give Officer Nuener a Thin Blue Line flag; which even led to a special ride in the squad car. As she traveled back home, Tinley and her mother found the Officer Adamson of the Fairview Heights Police Department and stopped to wish them a Merry Christmas.

Christmas Eve was spent showing some love to the officers that were working on the holiday. By giving up just a little bit of their time, Tinley made so many officers feel the love and support of their community. Tinley’s mother, Jamie, said, Tinley was more excited about visiting the officers who had to work on Christmas Eve than her presents waiting for her under the tree.

tinley blue line On Christmas morning, Tinley didn’t spend the morning opening presents, like a lot of children her age, instead, she went to Shiloh Police Department in Belleville. Once there, Tinley was excited to deliver Officer Joy, Officer Patterson, and Officer Lansing their own Thin Blue Line Flags. The three of them talked all morning! Tinley continued her journey that day; stopping at O'Fallon Police Department in Illinois where she gave Sergeant Feldhake and Officer Hoff challenge coins. Her Christmas day visit inspired Sargeant Feldhake to give Tinley a full tour of the facility; a Christmas present that was hard to beat. The spirit Tinley shows is a reflection of the unconditional love and support Tinley's mother Jamie provides. She works tirelessly to provide these experiences for Tinley and the departments she visits and she is a shining example of a truly selfless parent. Jamie wrote and presented the entire journey she has taken along with Tinley to the Criminal Justice students at John A Logan in Marion Illinois on the 11th of this month; a great honor and distinction for the amazing duo. April 28th is a big day for Tinley, she will be attending the James Brockmeyer 2nd annual fishing tournament. This spring, Tinley will be joining Thin Blue Line USA as we present at Police week, delivering products, taking photos, and continuing to spread her amazing mission!

Want to join Tinley on her mission? Find all of our wristbands here.
Join Give Blue, our fundraising to support the families of fallen officers by making your bracelet purchases through an active fundraiser!