First Paws for Laws ride a success for K-9s
- Chuck Thompson
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent
Blue Crew Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club (L.E.M.C.) held their first Paws for Laws fundraiser ride through Cleveland County last Saturday, raising funds to helps with the expense incurred through K9 training, toys, and overall care and upkeep required for these dedicated furry law enforcement deputies of The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office.
The ride consisted of 84 miles through Cleveland County for two and a half hours with a total of one thousand dollars being raised for K-9 care.
In a statement released by Blue Crew L.E.M.C., they gave their appreciation to those involved, “Blue Crew L.E.M.C would like to thank sheriff Alan Norman, administrative captain John Humphries for allowing us to be able to give back to the sheriff’s office. And a special thank you to Sergeant Mike Lovelace, Deputy Jesse Hollifield, K-9 Deputy Mike Lawrence and his partner K9 Karma, Deputy Alex Granados, Deputy Ryan Jones for performing the K-9 demonstration and escorting the entire ride.”
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Blue Crew L.E.M.C. Vice-President Chris Ledbetter said, “After serving years of law enforcement and serving as a detention officer I have seen first-hand how many departments throughout the state have to make sacrifices on equipment and do without or use old out of date equipment because there just isn’t enough funding given.”
Donnie Chapman, President of Blue Crew L.E.M.C. agreed, adding, “This was a tremendous honor and privilege to be given this opportunity to help our great Law enforcement. This being our first event, we hope to continue this event for many years to come. We would like to thank all of those who sponsored this great event.” (see list below).
Blue Crew present Sheriff Alan Norman with a check of the raised funds on Wednesday.
“This is our way of helping and giving back to the deputies that risk their lives everyday to help everyone,” noted Ledbetter. “Being a police officer isn’t a glorious job, but a graceful and fulfilling life experience. Anything we as a community can do to help our law enforcement strive in every way possible, and we will continue to do so.”
Chapman encouraged anyone interested in riding with Blue Crew in future events to know that it’s about supporting first responders and you do not need to hold a profession in law enforcement to participate.
“Anyone who would like to ride in future events do not need to be law enforcement and are more than welcome to join and ride with Blue Crew L.E.M.C.," explained Chapman. “We are a law enforcement supporting club with active and prior law enforcement, fire, military, and EMS personnel, and encourage those of like-minds to check us out.”
Sponsors of the Paws for Law fundraiser: U-Pull, C&R Towing, Love Springs Baptist Church, Crayons 2 Computers Child Care, VFW Shelby Post 4066, Angelos Pizza, Elite Stumps Grinding, Overman Tool Company, Best Teachers Tutoring Scholarship, Advance Auto Parts, Premier Window Tinting, LDS Solutions, CPS, Bojangles, R+W Carp Juice, Bass Shack, Cleveland Feed, Bridges BBQ, Norris Discount Furniture, Sultan Boutique, Shelby Cafe, Pancake House, LongHorn, Custom Gifts by Forever Yours, Logos to Go, Tony's Chip n Sip.
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Chuck Thompson is a reporter and columnist for The Shelby Independent.
