Editor's Note: In honor of  today's "Paint the Town Blue" observance, I'm running a blog I wrote one year after U.S. Deputy Marshal Derek Hotsinpiller was killed in the line of duty. This article references "Project Blue Light," the forerunner of "Paint the Town Blue."  The Hotsinpiller boys grew up on Corbin Branch, where my family lived for several years when our kids were small. They all rode bikes together, played in the same tree house and went on to attend middle school and high school together. Those times left precious memories and I have always had the utmost respect for this special family. I hope this finds you wearing your blue...

Well, my column idea for this week totally went out the window when, on Wednesday night, my family and I witnessed the eve of Project Blue Light in Bridgeport.

Winding our way across city streets en route to our house, we were in awe of the number of front porches lit up in blue, a tribute to a local fallen hero, Deputy U.S. Marshal Derek Hotsinpiller.

It is hard to believe the tragic event happened an entire year ago. Like many other heartfelt tragedies, many remember where they were when they learned the news that Derek had been shot while serving a warrant and subsequently transported via air to Ruby Memorial Hospital. I’ve heard straight from his mother’s mouth and heart about those final moments with her son. I cannot imagine being as loving or as selfless as she. You have an inner light, Pam Hotsinpiller, which shines to us all every single day.

Big brother Dustin, a Bridgeport police officer, has been a rock and model big brother. His dad, the late Jim Hotsinpiller, also a member of the Bridgeport PD, would be so proud. So very proud.

And to Derek’s fiancé, Megan Kinkelaar, I say: “How does a girl so young have so much wisdom and strength?” Your beauty is evident, both inside and out.

It’s amazing how something as simple as a blue light bulb can trigger so much emotion.

In the past several decades, I’ve had many moments when I was proud to call Bridgeport my home city. Wednesday night was definitely one of them. As of this writing, I can only imagine the magnitude of Thursday night’s participation - a display of dress blue. which, I pray – helped a very special family feel a little less blue. Here’s to Derek. And here’s to united hearts.

Project Blue Light began back in 1988 – when Derek was but a toddler. The initial blue light tribute was to honor a Philadelphia police officer killed in the line of duty. Concerns of Police Survivors “COPS” adopted the idea as an official tribute to those who died protecting their fellow citizens.  It has caught on like wildfire. Not  everyone who sees the blue lights knows their significance. But those to whom it matters most certainly do. I think I can speak for Pam Hotsinpiller when I say that it means to her a trip to the moon -and back again.

Editor's Note: Photo cover courtesy of Rita Lyons.