In a time where there’s a strain between the community and officers, the Winona Baptist Church is stepping in as an olive branch and holding an event that’ll put the community and law enforcement at one table to eat and get to know each other.
The event will take place 10 a.m. Saturday. Organizer Cheryl Small said she wanted to do something that let local law enforcement know in the Montgomery and surrounding counties that they are appreciatied.
“With all the events that are occurring in our society, it’s so much we’re seeing on social media, news outlets. There is so much negativity that is directed toward law enforcement and it’s getting closer to us day by day,” Small said. “We just wanted to let our law enforcement know we still support them and are thankful for them.”
She said when she reached out to Winona Police Chief Tommy Bibb, he was excited and on board with the idea.
“He was very thankful and appreciative and thought it was a great idea,” she said.
Small said she doesn’t know all the answers, but as a firm believer in prayer and the power it holds, that if the community stays focused on the positive things that it’ll outweigh whatever negative there is.
Small said it’s not just open to the local officers, but to city officials, county officials, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Carroll County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi Department of Transportation and anyone in law enforcement.
She said the event will be an informal brunch and a way for officers to introduce themselves and their families to the community.
“I know our law enforcement officers when I see them and I respect them for their job, but I don’t know their names myself,” she said. “This is an informal event. It’s a way for us to get to know them. It’s not a time to ask questions and voice your opinion. It’s a little brunch and a time for us to fellowship with each other.”
Small said during the event, any city officials in attendance will lead the program and each chief and sheriff will introduce their officers, who will then introduce their families.
She said the church plans to have the event yearly to show law enforcement they are in their corner.
“Chief Bibbs was so excited about it,” she said. Small said Bibbs told her she could have the program as often as she would like.
“We just want them to know that we’re here to support them,” Small said.
