CRESTVIEW — Jaedyn Williams began the #BlueLivesMatter movement two months ago in the Countryview Estates neighborhood.
Displaying a blue sign with messages such as "Thank you!" "Blue Lives Matter," "Keep up the good work" and "We got your back" was his way to show Crestview police officers they have allies.
His support comes as relations between civilians and police officers are frosty in some locations throughout the country.
Viral videos and widely shared stories of isolated incidents demonstrating perceived police brutality or injustice have spurred riots and social media campaigns opposing all law enforcement.
But in Crestview, Jaedyn raises awareness just by getting dressed some days.
"He wears his police uniform everywhere," Cassey, his mom, says. "The Crestiview PD and the chief himself have given him an authentic duty belt, hat and Crestview PD patches."
Cassey said Jaedyn is happy to extend his message to more than just one type of first responder.
Recently, for Career Day at Antioch Elementary School, the kindergartner wanted to switch things up.
"He wanted to dress up as a fireman," Cassey said. "His friend, Bentley, (age 3), is too young for school but was sad he couldn't dress up, too.
"So Jaedyn went and got his special police uniform and helped Bentley put it on. He said, 'You can be a police officer and wear my special uniform.
"Police and firemen are on the same team, and we can help people together."
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview 5-year-old: police, firefighters 'on the same team'