Charlotte group felt much more was needed this year after the Shannon Park shooting
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A local initiative that normally adopts a handful of officers felt more was needed in light of the tragic event that unfolded on April 29th.
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Jonna Harrison, who helped to start “Adopt-An-Officer” in Charlotte read some of the letters penned by local youth.
“You guys are the real heroes. Superman doesn’t have anything against you guys,” Harrison read. “You guys are so important to us, and we appreciate everything you do for us.”
Following the Shannon Park shooting on April 29 that took the lives of four law enforcement officers, Krista Bokhari felt a strong desire to let CMPD officers know how much the community values their service.
“I woke up feeling sad, and frustrated, and angry,” said Krista Bokhari. “I thought, I really need to put this energy into something positive for the police department.”
She and Jonna Harrison decided to expand their annual tradition of adopting a CMPD division to adopting every single CMPD officer.
“There needs to be a shift,” she said, “a move towards respecting our officers. Thanking them not just on National Police Week, but they deserve our thanks every day.”
They’ve collected gift bags, goodies, gift cards, and notes of appreciation for 1,700 brave officers in blue.
“It’s been amazing!” Bokhari said with tears in her eyes. “Even from the police officers’ wives, just even the community members. It’s been incredible,” she continued. “I plan on sharing them, putting them in some kind of file or something, some kind of video. It’s really been so sweet and heartwarming.”
CMS students penned heartwarming letters to say thanks and share words of encouragement. Even students with visual impairments wrote letters in Braille.
“Thank you for keeping us safe,” Harrison read. “You do a great job. You help us in many different ways. From Jack.”
It’s been a big undertaking, but these women believe it’s the least they could do for those who keep us safe.
“We’ll just make it bigger and better every year,” Bokhari said.
The women are delivering the goodie bags to all CMPD divisions. There will be a memorial service and processional at First Baptist Church Uptown Friday at 9:45 AM. It’s open to the community. Bokhari and Harrison are hoping people will line the streets in Uptown to show their love and appreciation to officers who give their lives to the City of Charlotte.
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