Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: From left, Graham County Supervisor District 2 John Howard, Graham County Sheriff P.J. Allred, and Thatcher Police Chief Shaffen Woods enjoy the lunch.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – It’s been a rough year for everyone but law enforcement officers must be in the upper tier.
The Graham County Attorney’s Office expressed its gratitude to law enforcement and all those who assist them with its second annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday.
“We work so closely with police agencies here in the county we just wanted to tell them thanks for all they do for us (and) our community,” said Graham County Attorney L. Scott Bennett. So, we put together a little luncheon for them.”
Graham CountyAdult Probation Supervisor Irvin Talley cooked the smoked pulled pork, which was accompanied by a plethora of side dishes. The spread was put out in the basement of the Graham County Courthouse outside of the Graham County Attorney’s Office, and law enforcement personnel came at various points, starting at 11 a.m. To enjoy the grub.
Bennett said while some professions have been able to social distance and work from home during the pandemic, police officers don’t have that luxury and have had to put themselves in harm’s way to do their jobs.
“Our officers are still right on the front lines,” Bennett said. “They are going into homes of people who potentially (have) the coronavirus. That poses a risk to their health and they don’t really have any reprieve. They’re just on the front lines keeping us safe regardless of the potential harm that could fall to them. We’ve had several officers who have gotten the coronavirus and had to deal with it and overcome it. I think this year more than any other year, we need to say thank you. We’re safe because people know our law enforcement officers are still policing the streets, can still respond if you have to call 911. They’ll still come to our rescue if we need it despite the fact their own safety could be in jeopardy . . . We just want to make sure they know we appreciate what they’ve done for us.”
