A little appreciation goes a long way
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on November 10, 2017 5:50 AM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Angelo and Kaitlin Martinez and their daughter Niyeli, 3, go through the buffet line at the appreciation dinner organized by the Friends of Law Enforcement at Goldsboro Event Center Thursday night. The annual dinner is free to all law enforcement, like Kaitlin, who serve in Wayne County.
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
George Williams speaks during the Friends of Law Enforcement appreciation dinner Thursday night at the Goldsboro Event Center.
Officers from across Wayne County were recognized Thursday for their service and sacrifice during a dinner held in their honor at the Goldsboro Event Center.
The second annual Wayne County Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner drew officers from multiple agencies, including the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, Goldsboro Police Department and the Mount Olive Police Department.
George Williams, organizer, opened the event to men and women in uniform serving in federal, state and local law enforcement, as well as security guards.
"It started a year ago after officers were shot and killed in Dallas and Baton Rouge," Williams said. "I decided it was something that needed to be done to let all the law enforcement know how much we appreciate them for the jobs they do."
Many of the officers attended in uniform, either after work or during their shift, while others dressed in regular clothes and attended the informal dinner with family.
The evening meal, which included chicken, barbecue, cole slaw and boiled potatoes, was paid for by an undisclosed donor. Mickey's Pastry Shop provided the desserts, and 70 door prizes were given away.
"It takes a real dedicated person to publicly do something for law enforcement," said Capt. Ray Brogden, with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. "I'm proud that people, within the public, see the good we do every day and are willing to step forward to show their appreciation for the things that we do. This is good because it brings everyone in law enforcement together."
Wayne County Sheriff Larry Pierce thanked everyone who participated in making the event happen.
"I'm glad some folks still appreciate us," said Sgt. Michael Sweet, with the Goldsboro Police Department. "I'm thankful and humbled that people do appreciate us and for that, we appreciate them."
The event was supported by local government, with the city of Goldsboro providing the Goldsboro Event Center at no cost. The location of last year's dinner was provided at no cost by Wayne County government, Williams said.
The effort has been overwhelmingly supported by the community, with enough money raised in 2016 to pay for last year's dinner as well as meals in future years, Williams said.
"We're going to have it again next year," Williams said.