KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The families of hundreds of first responders are receiving free home security systems as a way of thanking them for the work they do protecting lives and property.

Families said it’s nice to know they’re appreciated, especially in an environment where police officers are being targeted by angry shooters.

State Farm Insurance and a home security provider are donating the security gear as way to help protect those who put their lives on the line to protect us.

500 police, fire and EMS families are receiving the home protection systems. Particularly for police officers, some spouses said they don’t feel as safe in their homes anymore when people know a police officer lives there.

Andrea Phillips said her husband has worked as a Kansas City police officer for 19 years. And she said in the last four years, he’s gone from a hero, to being hated.

“It’s very disturbing,” Phillips said. “It’s very upsetting. It’s hard for me to know that he has to go and deal with this. That people don’t respect them like they should.”

Phillips says at one time her family was proud to let everyone know that her husband is a police officer. Now she says they keep a low profile. They don’t wear anything identifying them as police. Even having an unmarked police car in their driveway could make the family a target.

Others in community recognized the stress that first responders are under, especially in light of the officers who have been shot and killed. They said it’s important that we as neighbors rally to support them.