Community comes together to support local law enforcement
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DOWNTOWN JACKSON, Tenn. — Citizens across West Tennessee salute the officers who watch over us, Friday night. It was all part of the first ever National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Hundreds gathered at the Carl Perkins Civic Center for the special ceremony, a show of support for West Tennessee’s finest. For many, seeing an officer on the road leads to a nervous glance at the speedometer. They are the ones who keep us honest and take those who are not to jail. But at the event, the men and women behind the badge were able to interact with the community in a different way and see we are all ‘Blue Strong’. “It means support,” participant James Watford said. “We’re behind them 100 percent.” Support for the officers who put their lives on the line everyday. “Even at the office they couldn’t believe it,” Madison County Sheriff John Mehr said. “They’ve never had this much outpouring of support.” It is all part of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and hundreds of West Tennesseans showed their thanks through music and prayer. During the gathering officers from the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Jackson Police Department, and Tennessee Highway Patrol were able to interact with citizens in a less official way. “Every man and woman that wears a badge they’re human,” Lt. Brad Wilbanks with the Tennessee Highway Patrol said. “I don’t think any of us want machines in law enforcement. There’s a different side to us, so come meet us and get to know us.” Officers from other counties joined in as well. They say everyone coming together is part of the solution. “Crime is a regional problem,” Lt. James Wilson with the Trenton Police Department said. “Law enforcement has to build relationships and this is all part of that.” Though tension may be building between law enforcement and citizens in other parts of the county, here in West Tennessee these residents showed they are ‘Blue Strong’. “Our police officers here are community oriented,” James Watford said. “I think they have a compassion for the people of this city.” Organizers said dozens of local churches and volunteers donated their time as well as food to help make the event possible. More than 300 people were in attendance.
