SHAWANO, WI – Thursday was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
All around Northeast Wisconsin, citizens and departments took to social media to thank law enforcement for what they do.
In Shawano, the Police Department received some treats and lots of gratitude.
Shawano Mayor Ed Whealon says law enforcement holds a special place in his heart because he did it for many years, including a run as Police Chief in Shawano.
“I spent a long time in Law Enforcement here, Whealon said. “My big thing when I was Chief is that we can’t do this alone, I mean it is a partnership between law enforcement and the community.”
He says while thanking an officer is always a nice gesture, he says it is important to work at bridging the gap that sometimes exists between residents and law enforcement.
“It’s not us versus them. We are in this together and we need to work together and communicate”, Mayor Whealon added.
He says simple friendly gestures can also go a long way, and as always, communication really gets that process started.
“Talk to officers and if there is something going on let us know.”
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day started in 2014.
