A small stretch of Route 443 in Mahoning Township became a bit noisy Saturday morning as residents held a rally demonstrating support for police officers.

The “Support Our Police” event was organized by The Patriots of the Constitution/Lehighton 9/12 Project.

About 50 people attended, carrying signs and waving flags. Throughout the two-hour event, many motorists along the busy highway honked horns in support, gave thumbs-up and flashed their lights.

Motorcyclists riding past pumped a fist in the air in their support of the marchers.

“I’m very happy with the turnout,” organizer Sandy Dellicker said. “And the people driving past blowing their horns and showing support is wonderful.”

She said people blowing horns “has been nonstop.”

Dellicker made it clear the event was nonpolitical. A few people showed-up with political posters or vehicles with political messages on them but Dellicker told them the event was to show support for the police.

Three on-duty police officers, Mike Svetik and Joel Gulla, of the Lehighton Police Department, and Frank Buonaiuto of the Franklin Township Police Department, stopped by and thanked residents for their support.

“I just want to thank you all,” Gulla said as he got out of his cruiser.

Buonaiuto said of the event, “It feels nice.”

Jim Thorpe Mayor Michael Sofranko took a case of iced tea to the participants. Other people brought them water, doughnuts and sunscreen.

“I’m not here for any political connection,” he said. “I support the cause they’re supporting.”

Messages on the signs included, “We love cops,” “Defend the police,” “We support our police,” “God bless America,” and “God bless the police.”

Most of those participating had no affiliation with the Lehighton 9/12 Project.

“I came to support cops,” said Rose Trice of Jim Thorpe. “We need them to keep us safe.”

Barbara Priadka of Jim Thorpe said she came to show support for the police because, “My husband is a retired police officer and my son is a chief of police in a city.”

“If not for the police, we wouldn’t have a safe country,” she said.

The rally was held in a vacant lot across from Mauch Chunk Trust Company.

John Meyers said he joined the event spontaneously. He said he had been to the bank, saw the police supporters and joined them.