The Englewood Cliffs Police Department has started wearing rainbow bracelets in support of the LGBT community for Pride Week.

“It's just a rubber bracelet band.  It says pride.  It's a multiple-colored rainbow for the flag,” says Sgt. Ronald Waldt. "We're actually very proud to be wearing it."

The officers say that it is a show of solidarity for the LGBT community and especially to support one of their lieutenants who recently came out as gay.

“It was very emotional for him when he came out as homosexual,” Sgt. Waldt says. “I guess he thought that he would somehow be treated differently or that we would think less of him for some reason, which is absurd."

“We want people to be themselves,” says Lt. Gerard McDermott.

Several Englewood Cliffs residents who spoke with News 12 New Jersey say that they applaud the actions of the department.

“I hope that we don't have to wear these bracelets and everyone just accepts everyone for being themselves. That's what I hope,” McDermott says.

The chief says that the department plans to make wearing the bracelets a yearly tradition.

Editors Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the town to be Englewood.