Group Shows Support for Law Enforcement
“How blessed are we to live in a small town, my cup runneth over!” says Londa Champion, creator of a local group called A Thin Blue Line.
“When I created the event, A Thin Blue Line; back in July, I asked for donations to create a large basket to lift the spirits of our local law enforcement. Well let’s just say, my basement was full of crackers, cookies, hand sanitizers, chap sticks, books, lotions, every snack imaginable, and MONEY!”
For weeks our officers as well as 911 Dispatch, Jasper County Jail, Fire and Emergency Medical Service were treated with baskets of goodies and baked goods. Fire was treated with dinner from El Giro for their monthly meeting. But, as a group we were left with what to do with the monetary donations.
It was decided that the officers needed a cup with the Thin Blue Line logo. So, Stacy Chester with Night Owl Creations, so generously offered to create the vinyl logo. I had almost half of the money that was needed to order the cups, and El Giro, stepped up and generously donated the remaining money.
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So, on Friday our hard work finally came to fruition and 48 – 30 ounce aluminum cups were delivered to not only our local Sheriff Deputies but also to the nine Georgia State Patrol officers, one transportation officer, two Department of Natural Resources officers, and one Forestry Officer.
Presenting this gift to these officers was a very emotional experience, said Mrs. Champion. A basket, a cake, a cup, will never be enough to thank these men and women for the sacrifice that they make every day when they put on that uniform.
Living in a small town, I believe we have a false sense of security. But, we are not immune to what is going on in the rest of the world. A Thin Blue Line of Jasper County, just wants to say that we speak as the Majority not the Minority when we say that we THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.
My challenge to everyone in Jasper County is to thank our local deputies, fire, EMS, forestry, state patrol, DNR or at least give them a wave and a smile and let them know that they are appreciated.
And, to the officers, know that you are appreciated. Many local people and businesses—too many to name—helped with the distributions.
Those pictured include (left side of the tree, left to right) Deputy Steve Wagner, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer Zach Nichols, Deputy Emily McLean, Department of Natural Resources Ranger Freddie Hays, Inv. Sonny Goodson, Deputy Sam Blanchette and Deputy Kevin Malloy. Also, (right side of the tree) clerk Martha Artessa, Department of Public Safety Motor Carrier Compliance Officer Matt Kelly, Londa Champion, State Patrol Officer Steven Stone, State Patrol Corp. Cory Seymour, Inv. Heather Murray, Sheriff Donnie Pope, Inv. Michael Barrett, Sgt. Earl Favors and clerk Lisa Forbes.
