Law enforcement appreciation lunch serves up hotdogs, camaraderie
On a cloudless Tuesday with the first hints of fall, a steady parade of law enforcement vehicles turned into the long curving driveway off Stony Point Road.
Uniformed men with North Carolina Highway Patrol, Shelby Police Department and Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office mingled on the grassy lawn at Steve and Cindy Borders’ farm while the scent of cooking hotdogs wafted in the air.
Tables were laden with homemade desserts, and a banner decorated by Grover Elementary School students welcomed officers.
For the second year in a row, the Borders, along with a team of volunteers, hosted a law enforcement appreciation luncheon.
Last year, they served more than 125, and this year they expect to serve even more.
The team of men manning the grill said they started cooking around 9:30 a.m. and were ready to serve up 480 hotdogs before noon.
“We just wanted to express our appreciation for our officers,” Borders said. “They’re out there in difficult situations every day.”
He said they hope to continue the tradition each year as long as they are able.
Grover Elementary students wrote and decorated cards to the officers.
“Thank you for keeping us safe and everything else you do,” one card read. “Please continue keeping us safe and if you will then thank you.”
Another one had a rainbow and a heart decorating the inside and the words, “You help us when there is a crime, and you are the best.”
Borders said Elizabeth Baptist Church also helped make the event happen, and the lunch allowed officers to relax and enjoy camaraderie with their fellow men and women in uniform.
“We provide food, drink and dessert. Grover Elementary students wrote letters, drew pictures and created a banner to support and express appreciation,” he said. “Officers drop in as their schedule allows. The intent is to express community thanks.”
Brandy Curtis, principal of Grover Elementary, said the kids enjoyed participating for the second year in a row. The guidance counselor helped the students make the cards, and the art class made the banner.
“Our SRO is top notch,” Curtis said. “I’m planning to take him a plate.”
Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman said they appreciated the show of support from the Borders, volunteers and members of Elizabeth Baptist Church.
“This is just a sample of the overwhelming support that law enforcement has in Cleveland County,” Norman said.
Rebecca Sitzes can be reached at rsitzes@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Lunch served to local officers in show of support
