In honor of National Law Enforcement Day, local service organizations came together on Wednesday, Jan. 9 to host a luncheon to show their appreciation of the men and women who serve the community in some capacity with a law enforcement agency.
The second annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon saw a huge jump in attendance from the inaugural event, which was held at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club with a modest showing to the 260 people who attended this year’s luncheon hosted at the Gene Bianchi Community Center.
The following were recognized, representing their respective agencies:
Fish and Wildlife, Jeff Moran; CHP, officer Eric Moore; Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, Lieutenant, Brandon Kiely; Oakdale Police Chief, Scott Heller.
The Oakdale Rotary, Oakdale Sunrise Rotary, Oakdale Lions Club, Oakdale Soroptimist and Oakdale Kiwanis sponsored the event.
Evelyn Starman, representative for Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors District 1 member Kristin Olsen said, “I want to thank all the law enforcement for your help and your protection and for always making us feel safe. It is highly appreciated and you guys are often taken for granted … I can’t say enough for what you guys do. So thank you.”
Oakdale Mayor J.R. McCarty had equally appreciative sentiments to share, offering the following, “Thank you to the men and women of law enforcement. Today is your day and you guys deserve it. On behalf of the City of Oakdale and myself, we’d like to personally thank you for everything you do for the city and for us the citizens, thank you and we appreciate you.”
With the growth of the luncheon from the first year to the second, officials definitely anticipate it becoming a well-attended annual event.
Mary Guardiola, CEO for the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce and Oakdale Rotary Club President, said, “Definitely thank you for what you do every day. The service clubs plan on making this an annual event. So mark your calendars.”