GLENNVILLE - The 21st annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Cookout at Wayne Dasher's pond on Highway 196 April 20 drew an estimated 3,000 people from all over the state.
The fun began with refreshments at 6 p.m., as Dasher welcomed law enforcement agencies and thanked them for their service. Besides Dasher addressing the crowd, other speakers included Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and State Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John Oxendine.
Cagle summed up the thoughts of all by saying, "You put your lives on the line every day and I appreciate what you do."
Oxendine said, "Looking out at all of you, I know that you were chosen, for the job you do, and I sleep better knowing just how good you are at doing that job."
According to Dasher, approximately 50 volunteers had started preparing for the cookout the day before and one of the most important volunteers was head cook Joe Odum.
Odum and 14 other cooks prepared the feast of Brunswick stew, barbecue pork and chicken, and Cadillac rice.
The Glenville native said, "We started cooking last night at around 11 o'clock, but it is all worth while. We're glad to do all we can for these folks, for what they do for us."
Locals from Long County who stood before the crowd were Terry Gordon, who sang Lee Greenwood's hit "God Bless the USA," and Long County Sheriff and State Board of Corrections member Cecil Nobles.
Long County Commissioner Cliff DeLoach, who along with his wife Linda, helped sponsor the night, said, "I think this was a great turnout All of the people who helped put this together did a great job, and I'm thankful for the job that law enforcement does."
Ware State Prison correction officer Christine Hill said, "This is a great event. It's my second year coming, and when we all get together it's a way to meet others and make contacts from all over the area."
Long County Sheriff Deputy Julius Bargeron said, "Its good to get together with people who do the same job as you do, from other places."
The deputy added, "No one does the job for thanks, but something like this is nice, because it is good to be appreciated."
The fun began with refreshments at 6 p.m., as Dasher welcomed law enforcement agencies and thanked them for their service. Besides Dasher addressing the crowd, other speakers included Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and State Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John Oxendine.
Cagle summed up the thoughts of all by saying, "You put your lives on the line every day and I appreciate what you do."
Oxendine said, "Looking out at all of you, I know that you were chosen, for the job you do, and I sleep better knowing just how good you are at doing that job."
According to Dasher, approximately 50 volunteers had started preparing for the cookout the day before and one of the most important volunteers was head cook Joe Odum.
Odum and 14 other cooks prepared the feast of Brunswick stew, barbecue pork and chicken, and Cadillac rice.
The Glenville native said, "We started cooking last night at around 11 o'clock, but it is all worth while. We're glad to do all we can for these folks, for what they do for us."
Locals from Long County who stood before the crowd were Terry Gordon, who sang Lee Greenwood's hit "God Bless the USA," and Long County Sheriff and State Board of Corrections member Cecil Nobles.
Long County Commissioner Cliff DeLoach, who along with his wife Linda, helped sponsor the night, said, "I think this was a great turnout All of the people who helped put this together did a great job, and I'm thankful for the job that law enforcement does."
Ware State Prison correction officer Christine Hill said, "This is a great event. It's my second year coming, and when we all get together it's a way to meet others and make contacts from all over the area."
Long County Sheriff Deputy Julius Bargeron said, "Its good to get together with people who do the same job as you do, from other places."
The deputy added, "No one does the job for thanks, but something like this is nice, because it is good to be appreciated."