Law enforcement officers and the citizens they are sworn to protect continue to collide with fatal consequences.
Fortunately, the shootings and riots that have gripped much of the nation have eluded Warren County. Instead of tension, there has been an outpouring of support for our local officers.
To provide a giant thank you, the Shellsford Baptist Church congregation treated members of the Warren County Sheriff’s Department to a free potluck meal Wednesday night. An estimated 60 officers attended, many with their families. There was plenty of home-cooked food for everyone.
“There aren’t words to express how something like this makes you feel,” said Sheriff Jackie Matheny. “After what happened in Dallas, the folks around here have been great. People from all over have brought us food. Youth groups have brought us food. All the support we’ve received will about make you cry.”
Shellsford Baptist member Margie Melton said the meal was a small token of gratitude.
“We never really get to tell them how much we appreciate them so this was our chance,” said Melton.
Church member Gerlinde Rogers said another event is being planned Oct. 19 to recognize members of McMinnville Police Department and firefighters. She said the church’s fellowship hall isn’t big enough to accommodate everyone at the same time which is why they have separate dates.
“We’ve talked about this for awhile and decided this is something we wanted to do for our officers,” said Rogers.