Community encouraged to get involved in Thank a Police Officer Day

Community encouraged to get involved in Thank a Police Officer Day

     Thank a Police Officer Day is recognized every year on the third Saturday of September. The community is encouraged to show support or do something meaningful for the men and women who help to ensure the area’s safety – including not only local police, but also the sheriff’s department.
     In many communities, police and law enforcement officers not only serve to protect or keep law and order – they often take the role of social workers, community organizers, counselors, protectors, school liaisons, mediators and even medical care providers – sometimes at the expense of directly serving the needs of their own families.
     While community members are not obligated to appreciate officers and staff for their service, police officers will still respond to the call of duty and continue to serve at a moment’s notice, many times for things unseen.
     They’re here for the people of their community. They don’t have to be, but they choose to be.
     Appreciation can be expressed simply; by a single person; by gathering a group of neighbors, students or coworkers; by area businesses; by school children; by those in assisted living or other facilities; and more.
     Those who wish to drop off sentiments, snacks, meals, etc. to law enforcement facilities are reminded that it is always best to contact them in advance to ask them when would be a suitable time to stop by or arrange a delivery.

Thank a Police Officer Day suggestions as inspiration:

• Take cards into work, and have co-workers help to fill them with words of inspiration and appreciation. Send them to officers, and/or coordinate a lunch or treat delivery to accompany the cards.

• With September still being fairly warm, consider a delivery of a few cases of Gatorade, energy drinks or water.

• Assemble a morning snack station for officers, offering a variety of fruit, grab-and-go breakfast or energy bars, breakfast sandwiches, donuts, bagels, etc.

• Businesses can set up a jumbo “thank you” card for residents to stop by to add uplifting messages of support, then deliver it to officers with some snacks.

• Help children make cards or write letters to officers as a “gratitude project,” then allow them to deliver them to the department with balloons a snack mix they’ve assembled.

• Organize a classroom letter-writing project to make cards and fill them with uplifting messages for law enforcement officers.

• Send over pizza for the night shift.

• Become a neighborhood organizer for a “thoughtfulness campaign” – collect cards and donations for a delivery of lunch or dinner.

• Host a first responder appreciation event at church.

• Bring a paper scroll to an event, and ask people to fill it with messages of support.

• Display an encouraging message on outdoor signs, or let children decorate a poster to display in your yard.

Local students write thank you letters to police officers

     Each year Clinton students send thank you letters to our police officers in appreciation of the service they provide to our community.

     Letters courtesy of Mrs. Williams’ fourth-grade class at Eastside Elementary School