Newton County Law Enforcement officers were honored Wednesday at the Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon hosted by the Newton Chamber of Commerce and City of Newton Victim Assistance Coordinator.
The event, which was put on as a way to say thank you to law enforcement for their dedication, featured a meal catered by Zack Garvin’s Steakhouse, door prizes and speeches by local officials.
“Celebrations like these are put in place to honor you,” said Newton Police Chief Harvey Curry, who was Master of Ceremonies for the luncheon. “You who selflessly wake up, kiss your families goodbye and patrol the streets. You who know there is no guarantee for your return home, but you answer the call anyway.
Police officers are “modern day knights,” Curry said. So far this year, 145 police officers have been killed in the line of duty.
“Let’s take a moment and remember them now,” he said.
The Law Enforcement Luncheon also featured Sen. Terry C. Burton as the guest speaker. Burton spoke of his time growing up in rural Newton County and joining the police auxiliary in 1978.
“It was fun, and I though this is really cool what they do,” he said.
Burton recalled one night in 1978, when the police auxiliary was called to a shooting. The suspect, still armed, had fled into the woods, where he was hesitant to pursue. Burton said he found a new respect for law enforcement on that night.
“You never know what to expect,” he said. “You never know what’s waiting behind that tree.”
Law enforcement is a thankless job, Burton said. Police officers sacrifice so much and are often vilified for doing their jobs. Yet, he said, they still do their job because they have been called to serve.
“I’ve never called Chief Curry when he hasn’t called or come see me,” he said. “And that’s not because I’m a senator. It’s because I’m a citizen. They’d do the same for you.”
To Newton County law enforcement, Burton said:
“You are the chosen ones who were chosen to protect us, and I am personally grateful,” he said.
Newton Chamber Director Emily Pugh said she, too, was grateful for the police officers who work to keep Newton County safe. It’s a job, she said, she could never do.
“You all and our military is just a job I could not do,” she said. “Your care for those who need help and compassion for those who fell off the path makes our community a better place to live.”
