Do you have a thin blue line on your city streets? Its meaning is really important

Mayor Rick Meehan's innovative blue line may be confusing at first but following it will lead people straight to the Ocean City Police Department's headquarters.

The Ocean City Police Department reported the hard work displayed by their officers and volunteers in their 2016 annual report. Their service made 2016 one of the years that saw a drastic drop in crime.

Mayor Meehan decided to commemorate all the fallen officers that strove to make Ocean City a safe place by using a creative yet inexpensive way.

He painted a thin blue line between the two yellow lines on the divider of the 65th Street of Maryland. If people follow the line, they will be guided towards the headquarters of the Ocean City's police department.

Meehan's ingenious idea to honor the fallen men and women of the department caught on with more leaders around New Jersey, as reported by Faith Tap.

Republican Congressman Andy Harris appreciated Meehan's idea and showed his support through a public letter.

"During these turbulent times, perhaps more than ever, it is imperative that we show support for our law enforcement officers. Your initiative to paint this ‘thin blue line' does just that."

Congressman Andy Harris, 13 News Now, March 3, 2017.

However, a few people, including members of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) suggest that the initiative could prove to be dangerous, despite the sentimental gesture.

The officials sent letters to all towns in New Jersey about their concerns regarding the painted blue lines on the street, as reported by Delmarva Now. According to them, the yellow lines are supposed to help control traffic.

Any uninformed changes made to the lines are capable of distracting the drivers that can create undesirable mishaps and fatalities. Meehan decided to ignore the concerns showcased by the FHWA.

The mayor is renowned for taking bold steps for his city that has been recognized by Trip Advisor for having one of the best beaches in the US, as reported by NBC Washington.