Louisville Metro Police officer Chad Johnson, left, watches the new PSAs from the Police Foundation with the rest of the 2nd division. The campaign is based around the phrase Could You Do It? (Scott Utterback, The Courier-Journal -Dec. 29, 2010)

The camera moves forward giving you the view of a police officer approaching a van on a dark street as the voiceover describes the potential dangers the officer may face.

"Could you do it?" the voice asks.

The public service announcements, which will begin running on local television stations in early January, are designed to raise awareness about the dangers of police work and to urge support of the Louisville Metro Police Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises money to support the police.

Officers watched the video spots during roll calls on Wednesday, and the foundation gave the officers T-shirts and a holiday card.

It's a gesture that Sgt. Joe O'Toole, who works in the 7th Division, said he finds very meaningful and helps remind officers that they are appreciated.

"Usually when people call the police, it's not a great time in their life," he said, adding that he hopes these public service announcements will illustrate for the community the dangers of police work.

It's also a good highlight of the positive things officers do, he said.

"The overwhelming majority of officers are out here doing the right thing," O'Toole said. "And it's great to get that out there."

Police Chief Robert White said he's grateful for the work the Police Foundation has done to support the department, including paying for the annual awards banquet, sponsoring marriage enrichment classes for officers as well as the department's explorer program for teens and providing some equipment.

The public awareness campaign is just the latest sign of support, White said.

"It's important that the men and women in our police department know that the community at large greatly supports what they do," he said. Officers "are out here and doing what it takes to ensure their safety."

In one of the videos, which will be featured on the foundation's website, www.saferlouisville.com, several officers talk about the risks they've encountered on the job, including helping rescue people from a fire. Officer Andrea Rice describes when she was shot in April 2009.

Incoming Mayor Greg Fischer said he is excited about the work the Police Foundation has been doing and is looking forward to being a part of the campaign.

"Our first-responders are often taken for granted," Fischer said. The campaign "is a way to say thank you, but also to highlight the profession."

Frank Jemley, the executive director of the foundation, said he hopes the public will become involved in the efforts of the foundation, including providing financial contributions that can be channeled back into programs for police.

"We believe it's high time that the community say thank you to the men and women of the police department for what they do for us everyday," Jemley said. "We think metro Louisville will be a better community as citizens show their support."