By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL / Staff Writer

Chilton County law enforcement and area state troopers received quite the treat with a police appreciation luncheon on Sept. 18, organized by Verbena resident Kathy Giles.

“They’re the reason that we’re safe where we’re at,” Giles said. “I just want them all to know that, you know, we’ve got their back.”

Giles said this is the second year to include all Chilton County law enforcement in the celebration, which formerly had solely recognized the Clanton Police Department.

Giles’ husband Sgt. Donald Giles has served with the Clanton Police Department for 15 years.

“We live in such a great county, and especially Clanton is where I originally started it… So, I wanted to do something to let them know that we support them and to assure them that, not only me, but the whole community supports them,” Giles said.

The event featured door prizes, donated by various local businesses, for each officer present and food and drinks donated by several local restaurants.

A plethora of cleaning products from Giles’ “Wash away Crime” campaign were available to officers and their departments, as well. Giles said local churches donated funds for the purchase of the products.

“It amazes me every year how generous everybody is… everyone is willing to stand up and help,” Giles said.

According to Giles, 40 officers attended the luncheon, each one leaving with at least one door prize in hand.

In special return of thanks, below are several statements released by officers expressing their gratitude to Giles and all who contribute to honoring the work they do to keep the county safe.

From Captain David Clackley of the Clanton Police Department:

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­“We appreciate what Kathy does with the event, she takes on the challenge of setting up the event just to show her appreciation. As with all law enforcement officers, sometimes the public forgets the sacrifices that are made by our family members. Those of us who wear the badge know that if it were not for the support and sacrifice of our families, doing our job wouldn’t be possible. She goes out of her way to show the support to her husband as well as the rest of us. I for one would like to remind everyone that the officers are not the only ones that make sacrifices, the entire family must as well. The work that Kathy puts into the event is very much appreciated by the PD.”

From Chief Shane Fulmer of the Jemison Police Department:

“First, I would like to thank all the local businesses and individuals who supported the event and especially Kathy who puts this on for our local law enforcement each year. Our profession is and has always been more self-rewarding than anything else. We know who we helped on a particular day and who’s life we may have saved. We do this for all people with no expectations of ever receiving a ‘pat on the back.’ It’s what we do! However, it is a very nice gesture when we are recognized and we all know that a vast majority do appreciate what we do. I would also like to express my appreciation to my fellow law enforcement officers for what they do and the sacrifices they make each and every day.”