Fallen Hero License Plate Could Be Discontinued
DENVER (CBS4)- A specialty Colorado license plate is in danger of being discontinued if more aren't purchased by next summer.
The Fallen Hero plate was introduced back in 2012, following Weld County Deputy Sam Brownlee's line of duty death in 2010, as a way to make sure fallen officers are not forgotten. The proceeds from the license plates go to help families and coworkers of fallen law enforcement.
"It's that constant reminder that police officers, troopers, deputies are out there every day serving and protecting," Lieutenant Robert Cook of the Larimer County Sheriff's Office said.
Cook also serves on the board of directors for the Colorado chapter of Concerns for Police Survivors, or C.O.P.S. Money raised through the license plates help the organization.
"Basically their mission is to rebuild the shattered lives of relatives and coworkers after a line of duty death," Cook told CBS4's Kelly Werthmann.
More than 2,400 Fallen Hero plates have been sold since they became available four years ago. Those sales have helped raise several thousand dollars for C.O.P.S. However, if a total of 3,000 license plates are sold by July 2017, they will be discontinued.
"It's not a permanent plate yet," Cook explained.
Part of the reason for slow sales, Cook believes, is that people just aren't aware of the plate option. Another factor is the somewhat tricky process to get the specialty plate.
"Drivers have to make a donation on the C.O.P.S. website first, print a receipt, and bring it to the DMV," Cook said. "They can't order the plate unless they have the receipt. We're trying to streamline the process."
As for why some officers are not purchasing the plates, Cook said it comes down to fear due to violent attacks on law enforcement.
"Police are kind of reluctant to put these on their personal vehicles because they may be targeted," he said.
The hope is now more drivers will choose the Fallen Hero plates for their own vehicles to show law enforcement they care as they continue to put their lives on the line.
"It's something to show solidarity with law enforcement," Cook added.
LINK: Colorado C.O.P.S.
Kelly Werthmann joined the CBS4 team in 2012 as the morning reporter, covering national stories like the Aurora Theater Shooting and devastating Colorado wildfires. She now anchors CBS4 Weekend Morning News and reports during the week. Connect with her on Facebook or Twitter @KellyCBS4.
