FBA Lights Tree In Honor of Fallen Police Officers

For about 13 years, the Feasterville Business Association has taken time during the holiday season to remember fallen police officers with a tree adorned in blue lights. This holiday season is no different.

at the to

In past years, FBA member and Project Blue Light chairman Mike Hughes said that the business association chose tree locations on Street Road and at the . But they chose this year's location -- right in front of the library on Bridgetown Pike -- for the most exposure to all those who drive by,

Reverend Herb Phillips of Trevose United Methodist Church, who has also been a Bristol Township Police officer for more than 20 years, held the ceremony as Lower Southampton Police officers, members of the , FBA members and residents surrounded the tree.

"You remember those days; they're etched in our hearts," Phillips said of when an officer is lost in the line of duty.

"This tree will remind [people] of the officers that lost their lives for this community," he continued before saying a prayer.

Police Chief William Wiegman said that the tree stands as a reminder of fallen officers and that those officers "did not go in vain."

Bucks County Sheriff Edward "Bud" Donnelly also attended the tree lighting ceremony. He said that not only does the tree honor those officers that gave the ultimate sacrifice, but it also stands for hope that "we'll never have to add another name to the honor roll" of fallen officers.

Following prayer and sentiments, those at the ceremony sang Christmas carols together around the tree.

Also in attendance was Lory Kline who drove five hours to Lower Southampton to remember her brother and former Lower Southampton Police Officer, Ted Kline.

"Being a sister of a police officer, I realized how under appreciated they are," Kline said. Her brother was injured in the line of duty in 2007, suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and took his life August 2010.

"It takes a special person to do this job," she said, adding that she feels that officers need to be appreciated before they give the ultimate sacrifice.

A tree was also dressed in blue lights at the .