Question 1

What deaths qualify for bulbs to be sent?

Accepted Answer

All deaths/submissions are reviewed for qualification. Ultimately, the final decision is based on the Blue Bulbs for the Fallen committee. In general the following deaths qualify:
 
A law enforcement officer who is killed by felonious means, such as gunfire, stabbing, assault and so forth. 
 
Accidental Causes: A law enforcement officer who dies in the line of duty in an accidental manner, such as accidental gun fire, motor vehicle accident while on duty,  in an accidental way as a result of a line of duty incident.
 
A law enforcement officer who dies of a natural/health cause while acting in the line of duty, such as heart attack while struggling with a suspect. 
 
All of the above qualify if a law enforcement is off duty, but acting in an official capacity. Examples: Shopping off duty and engages in a robbery suspect.

Question 2

What areas are eligible for free bulbs?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the situation who was fallen. Bulbs are usually available for the municipalities in which the fallen officer served. In general, if it is a City officer, those within that city would be eligible. If it was a County officer, those within the county would be eligible.

Question 3

How long do I have to order bulbs?

Accepted Answer

You are able to order bulbs for one week after the officer has passed.

Question 4

How many bulbs can I order?

Accepted Answer

At this time, we have a limit of 2 bulbs per address. This allows us to reach more households to light the town blue. This hopefully is also enough for someone to put one on each side of their garage, porch, etc.

Question 5

Why use an blue bulb on my outdoor lights?

Accepted Answer

In short, to show support for law enforcement. Especially when one paid the ultimate sacrafice. Here is more details on how it started: 
 
For the past 22 years, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) has asked law enforcement families, surviving families, and police supporters to put a "blue light" in their windows during the holiday season as a symbol of remembrance of those officers who have made the supreme sacrifice.
 
It also honors those officers who continue to work the violent streets of our nation.
The idea began in 1988, when Dolly Craig wrote to C.O.P.S. that she would be putting two blue candles in her living room window that holiday season. The first would be for Daniel Gleason, her son-in-law who had been killed in the line of duty on June 5, 1986, while serving the Philadelphia Police Department.
 
The second would be for Pam Gleason, her daughter and Danny's wife who had been killed in an automobile accident in August 1988. Danny and Pam had six children.
Dolly Craig is now deceased, but the idea is her legacy. Project Blue Light now burns bright in the hearts of the nearly 15,000 surviving families of America's fallen law enforcement officers during the holiday season.
 
"Everyone who appreciates law enforcement should get involved with Project Blue Light," according to Linda Gregory, national president of C.O.P.S. "Project Blue Light allows citizens to show support for local law enforcement and the heroes who have been killed in the line of duty."
 
Participating in Project Blue Light could involve decorating with blue lights or simply inserting a single blue bulb in the candlestick replicas that adorn many windows in homes or businesses. C.O.P.S. also encourages law enforcement agencies to decorate the precinct stations and headquarters in blue lights.
 
"The color blue is symbolic of peace," according to the group. "By displaying blue lights in your holiday decorations, you will be sending a dual message — that you support America's peacekeepers and that you hope the coming year will be a year of peace. (Source: Project Blue Light)

Question 6

Where else can I get bulbs?

Accepted Answer

Most hardware and home improvement stores carry bulbs of assorting colors. As lighting blue bulbs in a fallen officers honor becomes more standard, you may find local businesses giving away bulbs as well.

Question 7

How are the bulbs supplied if they are free?

Accepted Answer

We are able to provide free bulbs by paying out of pocket for them personally, from donations and sponsors.

BLUE BULBS FOR THE FALLEN

Frequently Asked Questions