Jefferson City Police honored on ‘National Thank a Police Officer Day’

A local charity honored the Jefferson City Police officers on Saturday on “National Thank a Police Officer Day.”

Local leaders from the National Police Wives Association rallied donations and support from nearly 30 businesses in Jefferson City, including gift bags and food for 90 officers.

“Thank you” are two words officers told ABC 17 they don’t hear too often. On Saturday, event organizers decorated the department’s break room with homemade cards from preschoolers, gifts, snacks and cake all labeled with the words, “thank you.”

“It means a lot,” said Sgt. Steve Dappen, Jefferson City Police Department. “We see the best people in the worst situations in a daily situation, day in and day out, and it’s really nice to see people appreciate us. It truly lights up our day.”

The furriest crime fighter on the team, otherwise known as Buzz, the department’s police dog, received a gift bag from Petsmart.

“None of our officers expect pats on the back for doing anything with their job, but just like normal, everyday people, they enjoy being told, ‘Hey, thank you. We appreciate what you do,'” said Monica B., a wife of a Jefferson City Police Officer.

To learn more about the National Police Wives Association, please click here.