CITY OFFICIALS DISCOURAGED A PRO-POLICE RALLY FROM TAKING PLACE IN THE CITY OF ERIE LAST MONTH, SO THE EVENT WAS RESCHEDULED FOR GRAVEL PIT PARK IN NORTH EAST SATURDAY AFTERNOON. 

ABOUT 200 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE BACK THE BLUE RALLY TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR LOCAL AND NATIONAL POLICE OFFICERS.
THE MOTIVATION COMES FROM RECENT incidenceS OF POLICE BRUTALITY AND CALLS TO DEFUND POLICE DEPARTMENTS.

It WAS ORGANIZED BY COUNTY COUNCILMAN BRIAN SHANK.
HE,ALONG WITH FORMER POLICE OFFICERS AND MILITARY VETERANS, SPOKE TO THE CROWD ABOUT WHY POLICE DEPARTMENTS ARE NEEDED.
MANY OF THOSE SPEAKERS STATING THAT POLICE OFFICERS ARE THERE TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC AND ARE THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE SOME PEOPLE TURN TO.
FOR MANY COMMUNITY MEMBERS ATTENDING THE RALLY, IT WAS FOR PERSONAL REASONS. 

"MY UNCLE WAS A FORMER CITY POLICE OFFICER for many years", says Theresa abbey. "I'VE BACKED THE BLUE SINCE I COULD WALK". 

"THEY ARE IMPORTANT, WORTH WHILE AND WE STAND BY THEM", explains Maryann curry for why she came out.  "WE CAN'T DO WITHOUT THEM". 

A MOTORCYCLE RIDE AROUND PRESQUE ISLE TO THE GRAVEL PIT  KICKED OFF SATURDAY'S RALLY.
THERE WERE NO COUNTER PROTESTS AND EVERYTHING REMAINED PEACEFUL.