Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Lunch raises the bar with flag gifting
- Chuck Thompson
- 8 minutes ago
- 6 min read
By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent
Feature Story / CLEVELAND COUNTY — It was a beautiful sunny day for a cookout as Steve and Cindy Borders hosted their annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Lunch.
Every year the event down at the Borders’ barn draws a large crowd of law enforcement personnel and volunteers.
The event began about seven years ago and has grown in size and stature every since then.
About 50 volunteers, most of them from Elizabeth Baptist Church, worked diligently to prepare meals for about 350 law enforcement officers from across Cleveland County.
From Kings Mountain to Boiling Springs, Shelby and the Sheriff’s Office, 225 plates were served at the cookout, with another 120 to-go plates arranged by the dedicated volunteers to send to LEO’s across the county that couldn’t make it to the hotdog lunch. Almost 700 hot dogs were cooked on the grill and most of the desserts were made by the volunteers.
“I’m just so thankful that we were able to have this event again this year,” said Cindy Borders as she rushed off to help with keeping things running smoothly as the event began in earnest.
A special presentation this year was a highly honorable surprise gift for the municipal police chiefs from across Cleveland County and Sheriff Alan Norman.
“This year we had the recognition of the chiefs, and Sheriff Norman, of the flags from the Nation’s Capital, state capital and Christian flag,” explained Steve Borders. “We just wanted to up the game a little, and thanks to our sponsors we were able to do something special for them.”
Steve and Cindy Borders, along with representatives from Congressman Tim Moore’s office (14th Congressional District) James Estes and David Guy, presented them each with American Flags that flew over the Nation's Capitol, North Carolina state flags that flew over the state capitol, and Dr. Rit Varriale, pastor at Elizabeth Baptist Church, presented them each with a Christian flag on behalf of the congregation of Elizabeth Baptist Church. NC House Rep. Kelly Hastings, NC House Rep. Paul Scott and NC Senator Ted Alexander’s office helped make the state capitol flag gifts possible.
(Story continues below photos from the event)
Sheriff Alan Norman took a moment after receiving the three gifted flags to speak about such a thoughtful occasion.
“For seven years, the Borders family has opened their home to us, along with the growth of the number of volunteers who sacrifice their time, in the heat, to look after law enforcement today, to feed them, to pamper them and send them back out. It’s comforting to know that you have their support and the majority of support from 98% of the citizens - who are strong law-abiding citizens - who support law enforcement. This is just a small token of appreciation that these great individuals give us,” explained Sheriff Norman. “And at the end of the day, it makes you feel a little more worthy when you get in your vehicle and go home.”
Commissioner front-runner Wayne King, who was standing with Sheriff Norman, also expressed his gratitude for being able to attend the special event.
“I’m happy to be anywhere law enforcement is support and appreciated,” said King. “I believe that Cleveland County is very supportive of law enforcement and as the next county commissioner I will continue to support law enforcement and make sure the men and women who protect and serve our community have the resources to do their job for the citizens of Cleveland County.”
Congressman Tim Moore, who had pressing business in Washington, took time out of his day to praise Cleveland County’s law enforcement officers. In a statement to The Shelby Independent, Moore spoke of their bravery and dedication; and the importance of being able to do their job with the resources needed.
“Every day, our brave law enforcement officers across Cleveland County put their lives on the line to protect our communities,” said Congressman Tim Moore. “It’s important that we come together to recognize these officers and the sacrifices they make to keep Cleveland County safe. That means making sure they have the resources and support necessary to do their jobs effectively and return home safely to their families.”
Bojangles provided every officer and volunteer with a $10 gift card to show their appreciation for all of Cleveland County’s finest. Bojangles Rep. Chrissy Collins made sure everyone received a gift card.
A large tent covering to shade volunteers from the sun was provided by Got Your Covered, by the Lloyd Williams Family. Alston Bridges provided the buns and Ingles supplied the hotdogs. Other major donors included Dr. Rick and Meda Dixon, Jerry and Joyce Gardner, Melody Gamble, Greg and Wanda Horn, Jim and Brandy Curtis, Love’s Fish Box and Elizabeth Baptist Church.
“Thanks to Steve and Cindy Borders and the dedicated volunteers, many from Elizabeth Baptist Church, for hosting the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Lunch. It was a privilege to recognize and thank the public servants who work daily to protect our communities,” said Cleveland County Commissioner Chairman Kevin Gordon. “To all law enforcement officers, thank you for your dedication, courage, and service to Cleveland County and the communities we call home.”
The heat was brutal, but the food was delicious. Law enforcement officers gathered around tables, in lawn chairs in circles, and on old church pews under a covered area on the side of the Borders’ barn to sit down for a moment and enjoy hotdogs, beans and chili and sweet tasting desserts.
Allen Langley stepped out of the shade and stood under the sun as he shook hands with friends, acquaintances and police officers.
“This is a great opportunity for people to reach out and show law enforcement how much we appreciate them for what they do every day, putting their life on the line for us,” Langley noted. “We’re certainly not one of those people who believe in defunding the police; if anything, we hope that they get more money, so this is just a small way for us to reach out and say ‘we appreciate what you’re doing, support you – let us know if there anything we can help you with, just let us know.’”
The Shelby Independent caught up with Representative Kelly Hastings of the North Carolina General Assembly as he was chatting with deputies. He took a moment to express his gratitude for attending, “I try to attend the Borders event every year to pay my respects to the honorable men and women of law enforcement.”
Cleveland County Commissioners Doug Bridges and Tony Berry expressed their gratitude as well, with Bridges stating, “This is something law enforcement really enjoys and I think it’s a credit to Mr. Borders for showing this appreciation and I appreciate all law enforcement as well.”
“It’s great to be here at Steve and Cindy Borders’ beautiful farm, where every year he feeds law enforcement officers – very kind thing to do. It’s an event we look forward to every year and to enjoy food and fellowship with others and give everyone an opportunity to show where you stand with law enforcement, and God. I appreciate all that our brave law enforcement officers do every day,” said Commissioner Berry.
“It really was something this year,” added Steve Borders. “Cindy and I want to thank all the sponsors and volunteers who contributed and helped. Thank you to Chrissy Collins for the gift cards and the volunteers who have toiled out here in this heat under the sun. It wouldn’t have been possible without all of them and our sponsors.”
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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent.
The Shelby Independent.
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