HEFLIN — A law enforcement appreciation ATV ride will be hosted by community members in the Heflin area to say “thank you” to law enforcement and first responders for their service.
Patricia Bridges, coordinator of the event, says the Northwest Louisiana Unity Trail Ride, beginning at 1921 Burson Road, is to salute law enforcement, firefighters, Wildlife and Fisheries and first responders.
“I just want to say thank you, because there is just so much going on in the world today,” she said, “and these guys put on these uniforms every day, they go out and they face all kinds of different things every day. Some things we never, ever hear about, and they have to take this stuff home with them. I just think it’s time that we stop and say thank you to all of them.”
The ride will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 6 p.m. with a concert to follow, she said. A $5 entry fee will be charged to those who are not law enforcement, firefighters or first responders.
Food, fun and entertainment will be the order of the day, Bridges says, with made-to-order hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, deep-fried chicken and soul food. A soul food meal will be served around 4 p.m., she says. The menu may change depending on the weather, she added.
Two big screen televisions will be set up in the back yard, if weather allows, where anyone who wishes can watch the football game. Entertainment will include music and a concert at 6 p.m., which will close out the day, Bridges said.
A dedication ceremony will take place at 3 p.m., she says, honoring several police officers, including the late Shreveport police officer Thomas LaValley. His partner, Mark Welford, has been asked to come and talk his friend and fellow comrade.
To be honored will be Minden police chief Steve Cropper, Officer Shanel Shine, Minden fire chief Kip Mourad, Dubberly police chief Charles Mims, Heflin police chief Miguez, Webster Parish Sheriff’s chief deputy Bobby Igo Jr., Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputy Ondray Miles, Webster Parish sheriff’s deputy Tommy Zillinger and Louisiana State trooper Jeffrey Walker.
The money raised at the event will go to a charity yet to be determined, she said.
The ATV ride will take place on the tracks in Heflin and will be available from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
In case of inclement weather, all activities will be moved inside to the Heflin Civic Center, with the exception of the unity ride.