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By J.R. TIDWELL / Editor

Chilton County residents Tony Iturbide and his wife were thinking about holding some type of cookout when the idea struck them they could put something together for members of local law enforcement.

That’s how Operation Blue Line was born. It will be a free family-friendly event held at Goose Pond Park in Clanton Saturday, Nov. 23.

“This was something that was originally just going to be my wife and I,” Iturbide said. “God put it on our hearts to do something else with it, and it started getting bigger and bigger. We would like to show our appreciation for members of local law enforcement.”

Iturbide’s company Royal Sky Drywall LLC is sponsoring the event along with help from “some friends from New Life church.”

“It is free for vendors who would like to participate,” Iturbide said.

The event will feature a traditional Mexican cuisine lunch, including steak, rice and beans.

Iturbide said he and his group will be setting up that morning, but lunch should start around 11 a.m.

“This is not going to be your common restaurant stuff,” Iturbide said. “This will be more like what you would find at a backyard grill.”

Iturbide said that his wife wants to eventually join a local police agency, perhaps in Jemison or Clanton.

“That is her dream,” he said. “We have friends in law enforcement and the military,” which aided them in their decision to host the event.

Iturbide said if things go well the group may grow the event or add other dates for local firefighters or members of the military.

“They go out every day and put their lives on the line. We just want to show them some appreciation,” Iturbide said.