Banquet to honor law enforcement officers Thursday
By Steve Herring
Published in News on November 7, 2017 5:50 AM
Goldsboro businessman George Williams was so moved by the shooting deaths two years ago of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge that he decided something was needed to let local officers know they are appreciated.
He put together a committee of people who felt the same way and within weeks the first Wayne County Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner was held.
Williams and the committee have been busy planning the second annual dinner that will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Goldsboro Event Center.
All law enforcement officers in Wayne County, including security officers, are invited.
"We are expecting about 150 this year," Williams said. "We had 135 last year. This is for anyone in law enforcement in the county -- the whole county.
"If they can't come by and eat, they can pick up a plate and take it home with them or if they have to go back to work."
There will be no formal program.
Officers can just come and eat and go as they need, Williams said.
Local and state elected officials have been invited as well, he said.
"I invited the president to come, sent him a letter," Williams said. "Haven't gotten anything back on it, and may not, but that's OK. I know he loves law enforcement."
The use of the center is being donated by the city of Goldsboro.
The meal will be catered by McCall's restaurant, and for the second year Mickey's Pastry Shop is providing dessert free of charge.
The committee is not looking for any money to help fund the meal, he said.
One of Williams' friends, who wishes to remain anonymous, is underwriting the cost of the meal.
"He called me about three weeks ago and he said, 'Mr. George I know you have cancer. I don't know if you are able to take care of this or not. I have a crew that can take care of it for you.'
"I said, 'No, I want to do it myself. I enjoyed doing it last year. He said, 'Can I pay for everything?' I said, 'You sure can.'"
Also, between 60 and 70 door prizes are expected to be donated, he said.
Last year enough money remained so that $200 donations were made to Crime Stoppers, Kitty Askins, Cures for the Colors and the American Red Cross.
Williams served for 15 years in the rescue squad.
For more information, call Williams at 919-222-2201.