DECATUR -- With fear and apprehension towards law enforcement agencies spreading across the United States, it is easy to get caught up in the negative emotions that are transpiring across the country. But out of this negativity comes some hope.
Citizens and police are reaching out to one another in hopes of regaining the public trust this nation once had.
An Internet news article by Catherine Thorbecke from Good Morning America shared a positive story about police officers trying to dispel this negativity and regain the trust in law enforcement.
In Pennsylvania, four Homestead police officers were enjoying a quiet summer break in a local diner July 8, the day after the Dallas shooting, when a man and woman were shown to the table next to them. The man asked to sit at another table.
Officer Chuck Thomas, sensing their discomfort, tried to put their mind at ease.
"You don't have to worry," said Thomas. "We won't hurt you."
But the couple still refused to sit next to the officers and eventually were seated at a table on the other side of the restaurant.
Then Thomas, in an effort to quiet their fears, did the unthinkable. He paid for the couple's meal, complete with a $10 tip.
On the receipt he wrote: "Sir, Your check was paid by the police officers that you didn't want to sit next to."
The couple was dumbfounded by the act of kindness and, realizing their mistake, simply chuckled.
It's difficult for officers to do their jobs with this kind of cloud hanging over them every minute of their lives. Fortunately, there are some local citizens who are showing their support for our law enforcement agencies.
On July 11, one Decatur resident walked into the Decatur Police station with a surprise, a four-course pulled pork lunch, complete with cookies for dessert.
"I just want to thank you for the services you and your officers provide for our city," said the anonymous donor to Terry Luker, Decatur Chief of Police.
During the opening of the July 11 city council meeting, Bob Tharp, Decatur mayor, publicly thanked Chief Luker and each Decatur officer for their service to this community.
"The destruction of life is absolutely maddening and has driven me, as a citizen of the United States, to a renewed commitment to recognize and stand up for all life and, in this moment, I wish to take an opportunity to recognize our local police department," said Tharp. "Chief Terry Luker, Sergeant Joe Savage, Officers Larry Fiedorowicz, Randy Deason, Tyrel Eggebrecht and part time Officers Trent Morrison and Jeff Turner, to them I say this: Each day as our officers put on their uniforms and holster their weapons with the purpose of protecting the citizens of Decatur, Arkansas, I say thank you!"
Another Decatur resident, also wishing to thank the Decatur Police Department for the commitment to public safety, brought cupcakes to the station July 15.
General News on 07/20/2016