The law enforcement classes celebrated National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Friday by delivering gift bags to the local police departments. Students and sponsors raised money to help create these bags.

“When I started teaching the criminal justice classes here four years ago, I felt like this would be a great way for my students to get involved and show our appreciation for those in law enforcement whose careers and duties they are learning about,”  teacher Paige Ridge said. “There are few careers that ask a person to put their lives on the line for strangers and our officers do this daily.”

Students in the law enforcement classes raised a total of $350 along with donations from sponsors to have a total of $1340 to put towards the 38 gift bags. The Law II students will be delivering these bags to the Lindale ISD Police Department, Lindale Police Department, and the Smith County Constable Precinct 5.

“I believe it is of top importance to thank the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting the people of Lindale around them,” junior Gwendolyn May said. “For the law enforcement appreciation day this Friday the law enforcement classes have chosen to be one of the few who thank all Lindale police officers.”

Students will be able to meet some of the officers and tour their facilities during their visit there. The bags contain snacks, gift cards and more. Along with student raised funds, Brookshires, Chick-Fil-A, Chili’s, Docs, Level Up, O’reilly, Posados, Subway 849, Texas Music City, Whataburger, and Wing Dingers all helped contribute.  

“My dad serves all sorts of papers like evictions, attorney general papers like child support, and small claims such as civil lawsuits, along with obviously patrolling over precinct 5,” sophomore Cameron Hicks said. “I think that it is very important that law classes support local law enforcement with whatever we can provide.”

With the leftover money donated, the law enforcement classes bought cookies for the Tyler Police Department. Assistant Chief Yates will bring them into the station Friday morning.

“They do an amazing job providing support and protection for this community,” Ridge said. “All of our officers go above and beyond to conduct themselves professionally and with great respect for the individuals they come into contact with.  We want to make sure they know their commitment to serve us does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.”