BY ANDREA HIRSCH
August 25, 2008 03:27 pm
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The same dynamic lighting system used on the television show “Deal or No Deal” was installed outside of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy last month.
The lighting — which was installed by Circle City Lighting of Indianapolis — is comprised of 10 sets of LED lights. The lights were chosen to enhance the setting for the academy’s annual Project Blue Light Ceremony, held in December, to remember the officers who have given their lives in the performance of their duties, said Lt. David Younce, director of special projects for the academy.
“The main drive for getting the lights was for the ceremony,” he said. “Blue light use is a symbol of our profession and we are glad we can have this ceremony during the holiday time for the families that lost a loved one.”
Younce said the lighting configuration, located at the main entrance and the north side of the building, allows for maximum lighting effects while using minimal power consumption.
He said the enforcement academy received a $20,000 grant through the Lawrenceburg Community Grant Program at the Dearborn Community Foundation to complete the project.
“We thought it was a fine thing to do in recognizing fallen police officers across the state of Indiana,” said Fred McCarter, executive director for the community foundation. “It sounded like a wonderful thing, which is why we were more than happy to help.”
McCarter said the Dearborn Community Foundation doesn’t give a lot of grants outside of their region but because the academy was recognizing fallen police officers from throughout the state, including Dearborn County, the foundation wanted to help.
Rusty Goodpaster, executive director of the academy, said he is happy the academy was able to receive the grant.
“We were very fortunate or else this lighting system would not have been possible,” he said.
Younce said when the academy received the funding in March, they researched lighting fixtures and settled on LED lights. The lights were then installed and completed the first week of July.
“We chose the LED lights because of the versatility,” he said. “We also liked how LED lights don’t require a lot of power. I am excited about the system because I can now design different lighting shows with special effects.”
Younce said he hopes one day, being able to secure the finances, to cover the entire east side of the building with the same lighting composition.
“What we have now is a good start, but for the lights to be very dramatic and draw attention, our goal is to cover the east side of the building,” he said. “For those passengers who pass by us at night, be sure to take look at how dramatic these lights illuminate the building. But drivers need to keep their eyes on the road.”
To donate, send a check made out to Project Blue Light to the Hendricks County Community Foundation, 5055 E. Main St., Suite A, Avon, IN 46123.
andrea.hirsch@flyergroup.com
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