Oxford, AL – The Alabama Law Enforcement Appreciation Foundation (ALEAF) dedicated a week to honoring current and retired law enforcement officers, providing lunch from Monday through Thursday to over 500 officers and distributing more than $30,000 in door prizes. Each law enforcement agency also took the opportunity to recognize their outstanding officers.
The lunches, described as times of fellowship, allowed community members and businesses to express their gratitude for the daily efforts of law enforcement officers. Congressman Mike Rogers spoke with the Calhoun Journal, stating, “It was my honor to meet with several of our local law enforcement officials at the Alabama Law Enforcement Appreciation Foundation lunch. These brave men and women work to keep our communities safe every day and have been an invaluable resource for my office and me.”
Senator Keith Kelley also expressed his support, saying, “I look forward to this week each year and plan on attending each day.”
Formed as a 501(c)(3) organization by local citizens, ALEAF aims to demonstrate appreciation for law enforcement’s service to the community. Their mission is to provide a week filled with food, prizes, and camaraderie for all law enforcement personnel in the county during Law Enforcement Appreciation Week each year.
The week featured a variety of speakers and performances. Rick Burgess of “Rick and Bubba” spoke on Monday, with a performance by the White Plains Choir. On Tuesday, Officer Kendra Kirby from Jacksonville State University Police performed the National Anthem. The lunches will continue through Thursday.
Another import aspect of the ALEAF’s Police week is the Sam Mousa award. The City of Oxford won the prestigious Sam Mousa Award this year. This award is given annually to a business or city that has shown exceptional support for ALEAF. The City of Oxford’s unwavering commitment and contributions to the foundation and has consistently and significantly enhanced ALEAF’s ability to honor and support law enforcement officers.
Each year ALEAF recognizes officers of the year nominated and selected by thier individual departments. The officer this year are:
- Ala Conservation: Billy Roche
- Anniston Fire Marshals: Keith Day
- Jacksonville PD: Ofc Kyle Seager
- NEALA: Mike Pinto
- Ohatchee PD: Jeremy D. Wilson
- Anniston PD: Ofc Cody Scheurich
- GSCC PD: Sgt David Bankson
- JSU PD: Ofc Betsy Lopez
- MCU: Matthew Hohenbrink
- Piedmont PD: Sgt Jesse Little
- Ranburne PD: Ofc Daniel Price
- ALEA SBI: SAS Kevin Walkler
- ALEA Troopers: Trp John Lewis
- CFAF: Inv Mark Osborn
- Cle CO SO: Dep Dalton Sims
- Heflin PD: Ofc Josh Nail
- Oxford PD: Ofc Timothy A. Pitts
The week will conclude on Friday with the Fallen Officers Memorial. Additionally, as directed by the President of the United States, the United States Flag will be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day.
