Survivors of Fallen Officers to Benefit From "Night of Blue Lights"

A night devoted to raising money for families of fallen officers is almost here.

The 1st Annual Night of Blue Lights takes place on Saturday from 4 p.m. until around 8 p.m. at the and will benefit Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.).

The event's organizer Lee Dyer, who has lived in Oconee for 17 years and is the owner of a lawn care service, said he had a dream about the fundraiser at the end of last year. The cause is important to him because he has a nephew in Gainesville and two cousins in Gwinnett that work in law enforcement, in addition to many friends who are officers and deputies, he said.

Just two months ago, Dyer said he approached the with the idea.

"It's been great to meet all of the deputies and get their support," he said.  "The Sheriff's Office's willingness to stand behind me has been great."

Chief Deputy Lee Weems said the Oconee Sheriff's Office is excited about the event, and they have entered several vehicles into the contests.  The OCSO K9 unit will also participate, he said.

"We are very happy that Lee Dyer took the initiative to create this event and spearhead it," he said.  "It means a lot for a citizen to take this issue to heart and organize an event to help the families of fallen officers."

has also entered a patrol car into the contests, Detective Anthony Fortson said.

In total, about 15 law enforcement agencies -- including the Madison County Sheriff's Office, Commerce Police Department, and Snellville Police Department, just to name a few-- have committed to attend and over 40 vehicles have been entered into various contests at $25 a pop, Dyer said on Thursday. 

Judges will be awarding the distinction of "Best Blue Lights" and "Brightest Blue Lights" and attendees will get a chance to vote for "Viewer's Choice," said Dyer.

Thomas J. Madden and Associates, Inc. and Force 911 --companies that outfit vehicles for law enforcement agencies-- will also conduct blue light demonstrations, he said.

At dusk, all of the blue lights will turn on at once, lighting up the night's sky, Dyer said. 

And check out the collection of hot rods and vintage cars which will also be on display, he said.

Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.  There will also be raffle to raise monies and T-shirts may be purchased for $15 each, he said. A collection of hot rods and vintage cars which will also be on display.

Hamburgers and brisket sandwiches are a sampling of the food items that will be for sale. Sgt. Jay Higgins of the OCSO will be cooking hot dogs, too, Weems said.

All proceeds will be donated to the cause, Dyer said.