Greenville Gives Back to Police

Being a police officer is a tough job. Officers train for years with heavy and dangerous equipment, all to save lives. More often than not, they don’t get a thank you. The Greenville community wanted to make sure its local law enforcement felt appreciated.

After the Dallas, TX shooting where five officers were killed and seven more injured by an armed man, Greenville Police began receiving “sweet thank you’s”.

“You know, there’s been a groundswell of support for police officers around this country,” says Police Chief Lonzo Ingram. “And our community as well as other communities. It’s so refreshing to see that.”

Ingram says the gifts started out with a few snacks like cookies and cakes delivered by grandmothers, small families, or just individuals who wanted to do something nice. Then some local businesses and church groups started to give back by offering full meals as thank you’s to the police department.

Greenville Police always appreciate the gifts, but say they would never expect anything. They’re just doing their job. But they do say even something as small as saying “thank you” has an impact on the men and women in uniform.

“Everybody enjoys, you know maybe a pat on the back or saying ‘hey you’re doing a good job and we appreciate you,'” adds Ingram. “That’s what this says, in so many different ways. And you know, we’ve always got to remember, there’s more good people that support us than bad people who hate us.”

Ingram and his officers want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported them in any way.