Photo Provided HOLDING a big “thank you” postcard from residents of Wayne L. Hayes Apartments in Martins Ferry are Martins Ferry Police Chief John McFarland, left, Officer Casey Robinson and Dispatcher Amber Ferguson.

MARTINS FERRY — Residents of the Wayne L. Hayes Apartments created a big “thank you” postcard for members of the Martins Ferry Police Department.

“We were surprised. We appreciate getting support from anyone,” Martins Ferry Police Chief John McFarland said on Tuesday.

The postcard, which is signed by dozens of residents, states, “Thank you for your protection and service. Blue lives matter.”

McFarland said the department is used to fielding complaints, but not often compliments.

“Most of the time we get people calling upset about how a situation was handled by an officer. It’s not often that we get a thank you,” he noted. “It’s something positive and we’re very thankful for it. We appreciate them taking the time to make and bring it here.”

The postcard was presented to the station by resident James Pitts.

“He’s a super nice guy,” McFarland said.

The gesture by the Wayne L. Hayes residents mirrors what is occurring in many places across the country — people are trying to show their support for officers who sometimes become victims of crimes themselves.

For example, just a few weeks ago, a local salon, Forever Young Studio of Hair in Martins Ferry, decided to show its support for law enforcement by holding a free “Haircuts for Heroes” event. And just recently, an officer at the Martins Ferry police station noted a local grocery store, Kroger, gave officers at the department a free coldcuts and cheese tray to eat.