Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Tim Ryan From left, Shawano police officers, from left, Noah Bunt and Tyler Thornborrow and Lt. Dan Maul hold up some of the cards and posters created by area schoolchildren in honor of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
Contributed Photo This photo shows a small sampling of the cards, letters and posters from area school children delivered Friday to the Shawano Police Department on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
The first Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was celebrated nationwide Friday, and officials here say the level of support and appreciation shown by the Shawano community would be hard to match anywhere else.
“I will challenge anyone to find another community that has shown their support as Shawano has,” Police Chief Mark Kohl said.
The department was flooded Friday with handmade cards, letters and posters from area schoolchildren. Some of the letters were written to specific officers, including School Resource Officer Jody Johnson.
“Some of the comments the younger students made were really refreshing to see,” Kohl said. “Really heartfelt and appreciative. They look at us as leaders in the community and more importantly people that can help them.
“They’ve said thanks in many ways in those cards and letters and posters. That is probably the best thing that really made our day today.”
Snacks and treats were brought in for officers from Walmart, St. James Lutheran School, Sacred Heart Catholic School, Safe Haven and elsewhere.
Area businesses displayed marquee messages and put up posters in their windows showing support for law enforcement.
One local restaurant kicked in some free beverages with food the department purchased.
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was promoted by FBI National Academy Associates Inc. in partnership with other agencies.
Shawano Mayor Lorna Marquardt issued a proclamation in honor of the day and invited the community to show its support.
The result has been humbling, Kohl said.
“It’s nice to be recognized for our involvement and contribution to the community and their safety,” he said.
On the other hand, it’s not really a surprise, according to Kohl.
“It’s something that I noticed when I started here May 1 and when I was here before,” he said. “There’s something unique about the city of Shawano and the Shawano area. They’ve always been supportive of public safety. I’ve worked in many places over 30 years and I’ve never seen this.”
Kohl said the feeling was mutual for the department’s officers.
“We’re very proud to serve the community,” he said.