BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Tuesday afternoon the Millbrook Police Department gathered for their annual Christmas Banquet at the Millbrook Civic Center.
The title for Chief P.K. Johnson was changed to “Chef” as he worked in the kitchen seasoning 70 steaks for his crew. Officers and members of the Punishers LEMC Three Rivers Chapter manned the huge grill outside.
It was bustling throughout the building, as tables were decorated by volunteer Charlene Hatfield Williams. (She has stepped up to do this service for several years now.)
Food was brought in by so many wonderful people it would be impossible to thank them all by name. They brought gifts cards for the officers, lots of hugs, and many thanks for what the employees of the department do all year long.
Tracey Howie, of Millbrook, and her daughter Raeann Shockey were there to volunteer. “When you start thinking about what these men and women do for us, it seems so simple to want to give back a few hours, make sure they are fed, and let them know they are appreciated,” she said.
Tables at the Civic Center near the kitchen began filling up fast with all kinds of sides and desserts, all brought by area residents who just wanted to give something back to the officers and staff.
As of the officers, dispatchers and staff began arriving for a short respite from a world that can sometimes be crazy, hopefully they realized how much they are appreciated. For a little while, they could relax and sit around their peers laughing and joking. But the real world was waiting, and soon after eating the uniformed officers who had taken a lunch break, had to get right back to work, answering the calls that never stop.
As one officers said, “I have worked at other departments, and we didn’t have the support from the community that we see here. It really is appreciated.”
Mayor Al Kelley poured praise on the department, letting the officers and staff know everything they do day in and day out does not go unnoticed. “We appreciate you and love you. We are so proud of you and thank you.”
As for Chief Johnson, he summed up his thoughts as well.
“I want to take this opportunity to say a huge Thank You to everyone that helped me host the Millbrook Police Department’s 2021 Christmas Luncheon,” Chief Johnson said. “Each year I host a luncheon, prior to Christmas, to show my appreciation for the hard work and dedication that our officers and staff put in during the past year in service to our community. As anyone in a leadership position knows, you are only as good as the people that you have working for you and I’m blessed to work with and alongside some of the best men and women anywhere in our profession. As my boss, Mayor Kelley, often says, anytime you start thanking folks you’ll invariably leave someone out.
“That said, I’m going to do it like this. To everyone that helped organize this event, donated gift cards, and prepared food – I thank you. To Marty Bean and the Front Porch Grill, the Wash, Elmore/Autauga News, Lucretia Cauthen, Kelley Accounting, Michael Gay, Mayor Al Kelley, First Community Bank, and so many other local businesses and individuals that are impossible to name in one post, I say thank you. Thank you for supporting our police department, not only today, but throughout the year. Every police officer and staff member received gift cards and enjoyed a wonderful lunch today.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t also thank Lieutenant Jason Brosius and the Three Rivers Chapter of the Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club for helping cook 70 steaks for our officers and staff. It is an honor to serve a community that supports its public servants. Thank you to everyone involved in making today special for us and on behalf of the men and women of the Millbrook Police Department, Merry Christmas and may God Bless you with a Safe and Prosperous New Year.”
