By Gerri Miller
Staff Writer- Elmore/Autauga News
August is National Law Enforcement Appreciation month and the people of Prattville and Autauga County have something to say to the men and women who have their back: We love and appreciate you.
The City of Prattville, the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce and their many partners have held or planned multiple events this month and the entire year to show their appreciation for law enforcement officers.
“This is the result of a grassroots effort to support our law enforcement officers in Prattville and Autauga County,” said Kristi Pieper, marketing and communications director for the Chamber of Commerce.
Autauga County Blue Crew was created to get residents and businesses of Autauga County to join together with a spirit of love. As a community, members are encouraged to honor the dedication and sacrifice of the law enforcement officers in Autauga County.
The Autauga County Blue Crew has worked tirelessly with its partners to make these events happen. “We love seeing our community come together to support and pray for our local law enforcement,” said the Blue Crew’s Facebook page.
One event held on Wednesday was called “Blessings for Blue.” The event was held just outside the Prattville Police Department annex. Three prayer groups, members of the Autauga County Blue Crew and the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce met together around the flagpole and prayed together.
On Thursday, the community’s pastors blessed the many police officers, deputies, and others vital to the program. The Blessings were held at three different times to accommodate as many schedules as possible. In cases where the officers did not want to get out of their cars due to possible COVID-19 exposure, some pastors did drive-through blessings.
The group held the prayer services before the beginning of each shift.
Tammy Burkhalter, an organizer with the Autauga County Blue Crew, said the event is one of many that the organization is doing to honor and support law enforcement throughout the month of August and the rest of the year.
On Friday, officers were treated to grilled hot dogs and all the trimmings. Area businesses donated gift cards and drawings were held every day for items such as gas, massages, and department stores. Pieper said she was amazed at the love and support that people have for law enforcement officers.
The event was held in a tented pavilion behind the Chamber of Commerce building.
The outpouring of love that people have given to the project is something Pieper said she will never forget. People have come to her to ask what they can do to help. She said her organization has yard signs for front yards. For more information call the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce at (334) 365-7392. See more photos below.
