LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION WEEK

In Buffalo County, our culture of respect towards our Law Enforcement encouraged the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, the Kearney Cosmos Club, and the Kearney Sertoma Club to organize a “Law Enforcement Appreciation Week,” which occurred from October 18th to October 22nd.

The beginning of the week was geared towards events that allowed children to interact with Law Enforcement. Lunches with elementary schools allowed younger-aged students to share the cafeteria with Officers giving them a chance to have fun and ask questions.

A meet and greet was held at the Kearney Police Station as a way to showcase the various utility vehicles used in their profession, such as the patrol vehicles, cruisers, UTV off-road vehicles, and Police Motorcycle Units. Students also enjoyed being greeted at school with a sweet treat as Officers handed out donuts from local businesses to middle school and high schools in Kearney, Gibbon, Shelton, Amherst, Pleasanton, and Elm Creek. There were approximately 2,163 donuts handed out by officers.

Other businesses offered gestures of appreciation to show support for our Law Enforcement. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices offered a free lunch, Pinon Market provided free breakfast burritos, and The Big Apple Fun Center allowed those in uniform to bowl free.

The main event was Thursday, October 21st at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds. Citizens of all ages enjoyed the food, bouncy houses, obstacle courses, laser tag, a dunk tank, motorcycle course, K-9 demonstrations, and special guest speaker, Attorney Doug Peterson. Family and friends from the community were encouraged to come to support our Law Enforcement. There was an estimate of 750 in attendance.

All proceeds from the week were directed towards scholarships for students pursuing a degree in the field of law enforcement or a similar field of study. Thursday's main event raised $14,000 towards the $25,000 goal for the scholarship fund. Merchandise sold during the event can still be purchased at the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 1007 2nd Ave in Kearney. Donations can still be made by clicking here for our website.

We would like to thank our sponsors that helped with Law Enforcement Appreciation Week. Without your assistance, this event would not have been such an entertaining and enjoyable event!