DOWNEY — Hundreds of residents lined up and paraded in front of the Downey Police Station on Wednesday in a show of support for Downey police officers.

Officers were first treated to a meal provided by The Olive Restobar before lining up in front of City Hall to a cavalcade of decorated cars, smiling faces, cheering, and horn honking.

The gesture was coordinated by Kandy Grzebyk and the Positively Downey Facebook group.

“I feel like it was long overdue, paying respect to the police department,” said Grzebyk. “They’ve gone through a tough time, as everyone has. We just support them; we have an awesome police department.”

Participants ranged in age from children to adults, and included families, notable community members, members of the Miss Downey courts, and even some pets. Most city council members were in attendance – if not participating – as well.

Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Frometa said she was thrilled with the turn out.

“Our city is the city that it is, is as safe as it is because we have a strong police department,” said Frometa.

Chief Dean Milligan said that he and the department were “very excited” about the show of love and support from the community.

“What’s going on across our country, as we’re seeing it unfold everywhere, is there’s a contentious mix these days,” said Milligan. “The city of Downey is a great community. We always have the support of the community, and it reaffirms it today.

“It’s always nice to hear it; it’s nice to see it and feel it, which we did today.”