Law Enforcement Officers Gather for Appreciation Lunch Sponsored by St. John’s Thrift Store

 

 

Lynn Bledsoe

Gimlet Managing Editor

 

Law enforcement officers came together on February 11 for a special appreciation lunch sponsored by St. John’s Thrift Store. Officers from Brownsville City Police, Edmonson County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police, and members of the courthouse attended the meal, taking a rare moment to catch up and enjoy an hour of camaraderie.

 

 

Event organizer Barbara Fitzhugh of St. John’s said she enjoys hosting the lunch each year as a way to show gratitude for the work law enforcement does daily. “These guys and gals work hard every day, and I just want to tell them thank you. We see everything you do for us,” Fitzhugh said.

Local officers and deputies contribute far beyond their regular patrol duties. They assist with traffic control at community events such as parades, help keep the DARE program active in Edmonson County Schools, and support youth programs including the Sheriff’s Ranch camp and Jakes Day Camp, where children learn about conservation through the National Wild Turkey Federation.

They also participate in the annual Cram the Cruiser event, support local ballgames, and maintain a strong presence in schools through dedicated School Resource Officers.

 

 

Because their schedules often keep them spread across the county, law enforcement officers rarely get the chance to sit down together. For one afternoon, though, many were able to slow down, share a meal, swap stories, and enjoy some good‑natured joking that highlighted the respect they have for one another.

The meal was a community effort:

• James “Woody” Woodcock provided pulled pork BBQ
• Pig Diner (Lisa Hawks Tarter) contributed banana pudding
• The Edmonson News added beans, cornbread, and mac and cheese

Everyone left full and ready to return to their busy schedules.

Thank you to our law enforcement officers for all you do to keep Edmonson County safe.