RIDGELAND, MS: Jan Collins, executive director of the Madison County Business League & Foundation,
announced today that a county-wide law enforcement appreciation week will be held May 10 through 16. “We want to recognize the law enforcement officers
who work unusual hours, knowing they may be in dangerous situations that could risk their lives in order to protect our homes, workplaces, schools
and entire community.” Planning the week’s activities has been a joint effort with the MCBL&F, all the Chambers of Commerce in Madison County.
Photo above: Madison County area economic development organizations and chambers of commerce announce plans for the first annual Madison County Law Enforcement Appreciation Week May 10 -16. Preparing for the week of events include (l-r) Kristy Daniels and Linda Bynum, Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce; Jan Collins, Madison County Business League & Foundation; Betsy Dear, Madison County Chamber of Commerce; Toya Veals, Canton Chamber Main Street; Elizabeth Bryant, Madison the City Chamber of Commerce; Jodi Maughon, Madison County Chamber of Commerce and Lisa Bonds, Flora Area Chamber of Commerce.
Collins said this is the first-ever county wide week of celebration and commemoration of the outstanding work of the law enforcement officials in Madison
County. “We invite our business community, schools, churches and organizations to participate in recognizing our law enforcement officers for their
dedication and commitment to Madison County.” Mike Yarbro has spearheaded a campaign to raise funds to provide a gift from the community to each law
enforcement officer in the county.
Mayor Gene Magee of Ridgeland is pleased about the upcoming appreciation week. “We in Ridgeland are so proud of the tremendous job that each officer does
to make our city and county safe for our citizens. The Ridgeland Police Department is one of best. Together with the officers throughout Madison County,
citizens can expect highly skilled and qualified officers to protect and serve to the best of their ability. Showing these officers appreciation is
just one small reward that they deserve from our citizens. It means a lot to our officers to be recognized and appreciated.”
Madison County Sheriff Randall Tucker stated “We are grateful for the support of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and of the surrounding Law Enforcement
agencies during the Madison County Law Enforcement Appreciation Week . It is gratifying to know that the deputies and officers, as first responders,
are being recognized for the jobs that they do. Madison County Sheriff’s Office is very appreciative of all the support that we receive from the community
on a daily basis.”
Activities are planned for each day of the week, and the business community, schools, churches and organizations are encouraged to participate as a way
of recognizing law enforcement officers for their dedication and commitment to Madison County.
Sunday: Day of Prayer Churches in each community are asked to recognize the law enforcement officers in their church and
community and say a special prayer during worship service. They also can plan activities for the children or the church during that week.
Monday: Blue Ribbon Week Each chamber will encourage members to display a blue ribbon, or bow, outside their business
in recognition of Law Enforcement Awareness Week.
Tuesday: Blue Balloon Release Each city in the County is urged to release balloons to honor fallen officers.
Wednesday: Wear Blue Day The entire community (schools/churches/businesses) are encouraged to wear blue on this day or entire week.
Thursday: Thank an Officer Day On this day, businesses, churches and schools are asked to write a thank you note or draw
posters or color drawings to present to the officers. Each community is encouraged to ask policemen or deputies to visit the schools for acceptance.
Friday: Celebrate Law Enforcement On this day, the chambers will show their appreciation to the stations or sheriff’s
office.
“We’d like to thank the Chambers for their support of law enforcement,” said Gene Waldrop, chief of the Madison Police Department. “This is another great
example of community involvement and assistance to our agency.”
For more information on how to get involved, call your city’s Chamber of Commerce office, or call the Madison County Business League & Foundation at
601.832.5592.
