By Andy Foltz
NKyTribune Reporter
What says summertime more than neighbors getting together for a grill out and picnic?
That’s exactly what happened last weekend at the Erlanger Lions Club, only those neighbors were the Erlanger and Elsmere Police Departments.
“In light of all the things that have happened the last six months nationally, it touches you,” said Elsmere Police Chief Tim Thames. “We’ve always had a great relationship with the Lions, but it means a lot to you.”
“How times are with the anti-police sentiment in this country, it means the world to us,” said Erlanger Police Chief Tony Wilson. “You see the bad in people every day, and this shows we have local support from our politicians and charities.”
In the past, the Lions Club has put on a summer carnival, which they did not last year and will not this year. They are planning to do so next year on Memorial Day weekend, they announced at the picnic. Still, in lieu of the carnival they wanted to do something for the community, so members approached the local police departments and asked what the club could do for them.
The answer was simple: A picnic.
“They work so hard and seldom have a chance to get together as a whole,” said Patty Suedkamp, and Erlanger city council member who attended the event.
Both chiefs were pleased by the turnout, with off-duty officers and their families coming out to eat, play cornhole, let their kids play on the swings and bouncy castle, and in general enjoy what turned out to be wonderful weather. On-duty officers took turns rotating up to the Lions Club so they could eat as well.
“All the things we threw out that we wanted, they came back and said no problem,” said Chief Wilson.
“For all they do for us and the community, who better to appreciate than the ones who protect us every day,” said Brad Sand, the Erlanger Lions Club president. “It was brought up in our meeting, how fair or unfair the perception of police is. This is our way of saying we appreciate what you do. Take some time to relax with your family.”
Sand credited Lion John Dunhoft with spearheading the project. Dunhoft thanked the Erlanger and Elsmere community, with sponsors such as Bluegrass Quality Meats, GFS Foods, Butternut Discount Bread, JB’s Barbeque, Silverlake Kroger, Accutex Signs and Dusing’s Ice House providing nearly everything that was needed for the picnic.
The peaceful weekend afternoon was reflective of life in the community, from what both organizers and beneficiaries said.
“I’ve never felt that tension, and I’ve been in the community for 29 years,” said Chief Thames, who was an Erlanger officer before becoming Elsmere’s chief.
“This only works because people are willing to give of their own time to help others,” said Sand. “People in the community know the Lions and what we stand for.”