The City of Bridgeport is gearing up for “Paint the Town Blue” to be observed Feb. 15-19. It’s easy and inexpensive to participate in this observance, but the reason behind it is very important – and something that affects each and every resident.

 

By lighting up their homes in blue, locals can show support for members of law enforcement, who daily serve with personal sacrifice.

 

“Paint the Town Blue” is being observed statewide in May, but it was decided to hold Bridgeport’s observance during February for a reason near and dear to the hearts of residents.  

 

“They lost one of their own when Deputy U.S. Marshal Derek Hotsinpiller was killed in the line of duty in February 2011,” said City Clerk Andrea Kerr. 

 

Just 24 years old, Hotsinpiller - a native of the city and graduate of Bridgeport High School - was serving a warrant in Elkins when he was fatally shot. His death had a profound effect on the entire city and surrounding communities.

 

His dad, the late Jim Hotsinpiller, is a former member of Bridgeport Police Department, as is his brother Dustin, who now serves as a Deputy U. S. Marshal.

 

“We decided that coordinating our week with the anniversary of Derek Hotsinpiller’s death makes more sense to Bridgeport. We are still raising money for a good cause, but keeping ours that particular week is special to Bridgeport residents," Kerr said. 

 

Blue light bulbs can be purchased at Bridgeport Police Department. The cost is $5 each, with all proceeds to benefit Wives Behind the Badge, an organization dedicated to providing resources and emotional support to families of fallen law enforcement officers.

 

“Blue light sales are going well,” Kerr said. “We still have some at City Hall, but in true Bridgeport fashion, residents are stepping up to make this a successful promotion.”

 

City Hall is already lit up in blue and will be throughout the entire month, Kerr said.

 

Sponsored by Bridgeport Police Department and the City of Bridgeport, last year’s debut event was even more successful than had been anticipated. About $1500 was raised through blue light sales, related activities and donations. The city actually ran out of blue bulbs. For this year’s observance, 200 have been pre-purchased by the city.

 

“We got overwhelming support from this promotion and we are excited to do it again this year,” Kerr said. “We hope to beat last year’s donation.”

 

Former City Council member and wife of Stonewood Police Chief Robert Matheny, Melissa Matheny is a West Virginia Wives Behind the Badge Auxiliary board member and leads the North Central West Virginia chapter.

 

“We have some exciting things going on as far as organization is concerned,” Matheny said. “And soon we’ll be planning our events for the year, including the first-ever northern territory 5K this spring and following through with the ‘Be the Match’ event in connection with the national bone marrow registry. We’ll end the year with a big Blue Line Kids’ Christmas Party for children of law enforcement members.”

 

The local chapter includes nearly 20 member wives of law enforcement officers based in Harrison and Marion counties, with a few members from Braxton and Lewis counties, Matheny said.

 

On Feb. 18, the City of Bridgeport encourages local businesses to host a dress down day, encouraging employees to wear blue jeans for a $5 donation. Collected money can be dropped off to Bridgeport Police Department or call 304-842-8233 and someone will pick it up. That money will also be donated to Wives Behind the Badge.