Kids, parents help ‘Paint the Town Blue’ in Elburn

ELBURN – Decked out in a "city of Toyland" police outfit, 6-year-old Elburn resident Gianni Middona was happy to spread blue paint Saturday on the windows of businesses in downtown Elburn.

About 75 kids, parents and others gathered at the Elburn Police Station as part of a “Paint the Town Blue” effort, launched by 9-year-old Elburn resident Connor Anderson, who said he was upset after hearing about the recent death of a Fox Lake police officer.

Anderson invited people to come to the police station to pick up ribbons, paint and chalk to be used to decorate the downtown area in the village, as well as the campuses of Kaneland John Stewart and Blackberry Creek elementary schools.

He said he was happy with the turnout. His mother, Kim, said it was nice business owners were receptive to allowing the decorations. By noon, there were ribbons on light poles, flower planters and street signs and blue paint on several store fronts.

Anderson, a fourth-grader at John Stewart Elementary School in Elburn, was upset over the death of Lt. Joseph Gliniewicz, who was killed last week in the line of duty. The blue decorations are meant to show support for Gliniewicz and others in law enforcement. Also, blue light bulbs were handed out so residents can use them as porch lights to show their support.

On Saturday, Elburn Police Chief Steve Smith, Village President Dave Anderson – who is Connor Anderson’s grandfather – and others gathered at the police station. Smith thanked people for their support.

Smith previously praised Connor Anderson for the effort.

“For a person of his age, I think he has shown a lot of maturity and insight into issues that affect law enforcement,” Smith said Friday. “He’s got an interest in it. On his mom’s side, there are police officers in the family. He wants to become a police officer.”

Connor Anderson wasn’t the only kid at Saturday’s event with such aspirations. Middona waved at police cars while in his play uniform, and his mother, Miranda, said this wasn’t a one-time opportunity for him to dress like a police officer.

“He wears it every day after school,” she said. “After school, he changes right into it.”

She said when she learned of Connor Anderson’s effort through a Facebook post, she knew she needed to participate and that her son would want to be a part of it.

“He adores the police officers,” she said.