The current social climate isn’t exactly an officer-appreciative one. The Orlando officer slaying happened the day before National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, and with various police protests all over the nation, it would be an understatement to say that police don’t feel the love.
In Montgomery, Alabama, the community came together to try to rectify that for at least a day with an appreciation luncheon for their local officers. Organizers including Beverly Lynn, a representative of the Capitol Heights Civic Association, expressed that sentiment to local reporters.
“We felt like we could return a favor one day out of the year at least to thank these people,” said Lynn.
Chief Deputy Kevin Murphy commented on the feeling amongst officers after the Orlando murder.
“It’s kind of an eerie feeling. It’s a situation now where law enforcement dealing with these one-percenters out there challenge us each and every day.”
He went on to say, “I think sometimes people have a tendency to de-personalize someone in law enforcement, you know, that’s not a husband or a father or a mother, a brother or a sister. They don’t see you as a person, but we are.”
The officers in attendance expressed the feeling of positivity that luncheons like these give.
“It’s always about transparency but also to work with the community even more. It’s all about how do we give back and we meet half way so we can bring some more positiveness in those communities,” said Police Chief Ernest Finley.
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