DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — Thursday evening, Houston County officers, regardless of their rank, position or agency, came together as brothers and sisters in blue.
However, the meeting wasn’t due to crime. Instead, it was for the second annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Night, better known as LEAN.
“This drive is to just to show how much we appreciate the police officers in Houston County,” Sgt. Jason Adkins said.
Officers from the Dothan Police Department and the Houston County Sheriff’s Office were treated to a meal thanks to Hots Deli as well as live music courtesy of Midlife Crisis and Mama Try’d. All of it was meant to celebrate officers’ daily sacrifice.
“All over the country, there are police officers that have given their life,” Adkins explained. “This is a celebration of the people that are still doing the job, that are still here, but because we’re doing it in police week, we’re still remembering those officers.”
Despite different ranks, positions, and even agencies, Houston County officers all have one thing in common.
“At the end of the day, we all wear a badge,” Adkins told WDHN. “At the end of the day we all do the same kind of job. At the end of the day, we want to make sure that each other goes home.”
This year’s event not only benefitted officers but also the Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center (CAC).
“They’re one of our partners along with DHR help us complete our mission of reducing the trauma and anxiety that children who have been abused and neglected experience,” said CAC community advocate Lindsey Wagner.
As police departments around the country remain under extreme scrutiny, Houston County officers have this message for Wiregrass residents:
“Most all of police officers, I’d say 99.9% love this job and want to do this job and we appreciate getting the opportunity to do the job but we also appreciate being appreciated as well,” Adkins said.
In addition to the Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center, the event also benefitted the Southeast Alabama Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 27.
