BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
International President for the Punishers LEMC does a lot of traveling in his role, but he promised he will always come to Millbrook for the annual Blue Santa fundraiser.
This was Boyan’s second trip to show support to the Punishers LEMC Three Rivers organization which, once again, held the event raising untold thousands of dollars for this year’s Operation Blue Santa for the Millbrook Police Department. (We will have a final figure of all monies raised at a later date.)
While rain forced the motorcycle ride associated with the fundraiser to cancel this year, it did nothing to dampen enthusiasm, or donations flowing in for the program established by the Millbrook Police Department. Each year, hundreds of area children who would otherwise not receive Christmas presents, find something under their tree Christmas morning. The event is the brainchild of Lt. Don Pugh with the Millbrook Police Department.
What started many years ago with a few officers pitching in to buy presents, has turned into a massive undertaking, according to Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson. “I came here in 1996, and in all these years we, as a department, would pool our money to help where we could. But now thanks to an organized event, we receive donations throughout the year from area individuals, businesses, churches and civic groups,” Johnson said.
“Over the past three years alone $17,000 has been raised and over 700 children have been given presents they probably would not have received. I cannot tell you how much the Punishers LEMC organization has impacted that. This event held over the weekend drew in hundreds of motorcycle riders and individuals from across the country and of course the local support was outstanding. We are honored beyond belief that the International President John Boyan has pledged his support to our fundraiser. His presence here means more than he will ever know. It is all for the kids.”
The Elmore/Autauga News interviewed John Boyan back in 2020 prior to his first visit to Millbrook for the Blue Santa fundraiser. See that story here https://elmoreautauganews.com/2020/07/24/international-punishers-lemc-president-john-boyan-coming-to-millbrook-for-blue-santa-poker-run-saturday/
To show the City of Millbrook’s appreciation, Johnson presented a proclamation to Boyan and Three Rivers Chapter President Johnny Stiles from Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley.
The proclamation acknowledges the Punishers organization overall, which includes current and former law enforcement officers, military members, first responders and other like-minded individuals.
“On behalf of the City of Millbrook, the Millbrook Police Department and all of the children that have and will benefit from the past and future efforts, Mayor Al Kelley wishes to convey our deepest appreciation to the Punishers LEMC Club, its Three Rivers Chapter, International President John Boyan, Three Rivers President Johnny Stiles, and everyone involved in this wonderful effort to ensure that every child in need received a Christmas gift at Christmastime,” Johnson said.
“These guys right here and every one of you are my heroes,” Johnson continued. “I know some of you are military, some of you are cops. But all of us believe in helping folks. That is why we do what we do. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming out and supporting us today. God bless you.”
Three Rivers President Johnny Stiles said, “We appreciate everything that the Millbrook Police Department does for us. And that we are able to take and give back to the community. That is truly what we are about. Helping others out. Our motto is ‘In Service to Others.’ As Punishers and the Three Rivers Chapter that is truly what we try to live up to every day.”
International President John Boyan said, “I couldn’t be prouder of these guys, or wearing this patch among these people. They do an amazing job. This is an event I will come to every year. I believe in it 100 percent, the community that supports it, the Police Chief, the Mayor and everybody here. It is amazing. I am in awe of it and everything I see. Thank you for your support and what you do for us.”
