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Church thanks local law enforcement

Warren Scott SHOWING APPRECIATION — Members of Greater Zion Temple Family Worship Center, including many youth, presented soft drinks and gift cards to local restaurants to members of the Steubenville Police and Jefferson County Sheriff’s departments to show their appreciation for their protection of the community. -- Warren Scott

STEUBENVILLE — Steubenville police officers and Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies who were called to Greater Zion Temple Family Worship Center on Saturday didn’t know what to expect, so they were surprised when they were presented cases of soft drinks and gift cards to local restaurants by the church’s youth.

But perhaps the most pleasant surprise was the applause each received as he entered the church’s social hall.

“We wanted to show our appreciation to our police and bless them for risking their lives for us,” said Daycha Wade, who as leader of Greater Zion’s youth department, led youth and other volunteers in collecting the drinks and cards.

“All through the U.S. we hear about episodes involving police officers,” Wade said, noting fatal shootings by police that have made headlines in recent years.

“But what’s going on in other communities isn’t going on here. And we want to show them we appreciate them,” she said.

Steubenville Patrolman Shawn Scott said of the gesture, “This is absolutely outstanding. The outpouring of public support is phenomenal and it’s really overwhelming.”

Detective Jason Hanlin of the Jefferson County Drug Task Force agreed, saying, “It’s an honor. It’s nice to see people appreciate what we do.”

The Rev. Roy Dawkins, the church’a pastor, noted local law enforcement helps the community not only while on the job but also through Shop with a Cop programs and similar endeavors.

“It’s time we returned the favor,” he said, adding, “It’s mostly youth doing this, and I’m glad because they need to see police in a favorable light.”

Jefferson County Prosecutor Jane Hanlin said the occasion offered “a wonderful opportunity for citizens and the officers to get to know each other on a more personal level. We want these young people to see these officers as friends, as someone they can go to for help.”

Twelve-year-old Ja’lin Harris, one of many youth involved, said it can be difficult be a police officer, “to deal with all of the negativity that people say about you.”

“This shows cops how some people do appreciate them,” said 13-year-old Rodney James.

“They do so much for the community, we want to give back to them,” said 12-year-old Valerie Eden, who said businesses solicited for gift cards or other support were very supportive.

Wade said such supporters included McDonald’s, Subway, the Downtown Bakery, Taco Bell, Applebee’s, Eat ‘n Park and Malta’s Pizza. She added the Steubenville Striders, Danielle Kovalik’s class at St. Anthony Catholic Church and PNC Bank also supported the effort.

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