MINOT, ND (KXNET) — The Minot Police Department has gone through many changes over the past few months, such as the investigation into Police Chief John Klug, who has since agreed to step down. They also recently lost an officer, Lieutenant Matt McLeod, who served in the department since 2002. At the Minot City Council meeting Tuesday, Mayor Tom Ross reminded residents of the Magic City that officers need support from those they serve, especially in difficult times like these. He called on the residents of Minot, as well as various establishments, to turn their outdoor lighting blue as a show of solidarity for the police. Minot woman killed, Kenmare man injured in rollover crash near Buxton “The message is simple: That even in the darkest parts of the night, I want an officer to turn the corner in a neighborhood and see a light of support,” Mayor Ross said. “We should do it 365 days a year. What I’m asking for is businesses, churches, schools, even City Hall, display a blue light in support of our police officers and first responders.” Project Blue Light was initiated in 1988 when a woman named Dolly Craig sent a letter to Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) explaining how she had two blue candles on display. One of them was in memory of her son-in-law, who was killed in the line of duty in Philadelphia. The other was for her daughter, who died in a car accident. Since then, C.O.P.S. has encouraged people to put blue lights on display to show support for law enforcement and first responders. Mayor Ross encourages people to keep them on display through the month of February. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW