Blue street line symbolizes local community support for law enforcement

Gina Beneduci, Staff Writer

The blue line was painted on September 21.

Following recent approval from the East Rutherford Council and the Police Commissioner, a blue line, which spans from East Rutherford to Carlstadt, was painted down Hackensack Street on Sept. 21.

“The line is meant to show support for law enforcement,” stated Dennis Rivelli, an East Rutherford Police Captain for 28 years. 

…law enforcement officers stand between the lines of chaos and stability.

— ER Police Captain Dennis Rivelli

Police Captain Rivelli continued to explain that historically, police uniforms have been the color blue, which is why the line is of a similar hue. “It’s symbolic of the idea that law enforcement officers stand between the lines of chaos and stability.”

“It’s tough to be a police officer at this time, so the support is very important to us. With all that’s going on right now across the country, it’s good for officers to know that we have support from the people and the town,” he added.

With the idea originating in Wayne Township, the blue line can also be found in other local towns such as Wood-Ridge and Secaucus.

The blue line will remain on the street until it begins to fade.