By Julia Pile
Special to the NKyTribune
Three years ago, the Rotary Club of Florence, Kentucky started a tradition of honoring local police officers during Police Week which falls during the week of May 15.
Jeremy Adams and Frank Schneider deliver lunches to Florence Police Department (provided photos).
The club will be delivering boxed lunches to 189 officers in the Boone County Sheriff (including the courthouse), Florence Police Department and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport Law Enforcement departments.
In 2018, the club was able to distribute an additional 190 lunches to Fire and 911 Dispatchers due to being the recipient of a Rotary District 6740 one-time matching grant.
Police Officers Memorial Day which is May 15 was proclaimed by President John F. Kennedy in 1962 to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“Our club felt it was important to let our local law enforcement know that we appreciate them,” said Club President, Jim Ferguson. “They are in harm’s way every day to protect our community and keep us safe.”
It takes an army of volunteers to pick up the lunches at Colonial Cottage on Dixie Highway in Erlanger, where the owner Matt Grimes who is also a Rotarian, provides the lunches.
Barbara Rahn and Pat Gutzeit deliver lunches to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office.
The volunteers take shifts all throughout the day so that officer no matter which shift they work will receive a hot meal.
The Club welcomes support from the public in the purchasing of the lunches. The lunches run $11 each.
Donations can be made on the Club’s website or by mailing a check to:
The Florence Rotary Club Foundation, Inc.
7711 Ewing Blvd
Florence, KY 41042
The Rotary Club of Florence, Kentucky (serving all of Boone County) is a community service organization focusing on “service above self.”
The club meets weekly on Mondays at noon at the Hilton Airport located at 7373 Turfway Road. Guests are always welcome. To learn more about upcoming speakers and events, please visit the club’s website at www.florencerotary.org or follow its Facebook page.
