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SHOWING SUPPORT … Delta Eagles Members (L to R) Dan Miller, Randy Simon and Dick Berry.
By: Bill O’Connell
With the current cloud of negativity surrounding law enforcement personnel and agencies all over the country, Delta resident and former mayor, Dan Miller wanted to do something show the members of the Fulton County law enforcement departments how much they are truly appreciated and respected by the local citizenry.
When Toledo Police Officer Anthony Dia was tragically gunned down in the line of duty in early July, leaving behind a wife and two-year old child, Dan was fully motivated to find a way to pay tribute to the men and women who wear the blue and put their lives on the line for the people in their community every day.
He discussed an idea with Delta Police Chief Nathan Hartsock of having a barbeque to raise money for each police department in the county to spend it on any of their needs. Chief Hartsock, in turn, ran the idea past all the Fulton County Police Chiefs as well as County Sheriff Roy Miller and all gave their full support.
Next, Dan reached out to the Delta Eagles to help organize and coordinate the event. Eagle members Dick Berry and Randy Simon jumped at the opportunity to support their local law enforcement and project “Backing the Blue BBQ Drive Thru,” began to take flight. “Without the Eagles’ backing, this probably wouldn’t have gone anywhere,” said Dan. “I’m very grateful that they wanted to and were able to back the blue.”
A venue was secured at the Fulton County Fairgrounds with the help of the Fulton County Fair Board and the logistics of the drive-thru format were worked out to where traffic will be one-way only to facilitate fast service and limit congestion.
The “Back the Blue” event will take place on September 12, 2020 from 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM or until all the dinners are sold. Patrons will have their choice of a Half-Chicken dinner with potato salad and a roll for $10 with 3,000 dinners available or a Half-Rack Ribs dinner with baked beans and a roll for $15 with 2,000 dinners available. There will also be a 50/50 drawing held at approximately 8:00 PM on the same night with the winner to potentially receive $25,000.
All proceeds will go to benefit the police departments of Archbold, Delta, Fayette, Swanton and Wauseon as well as the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department and can be spent on body cameras, bullet-proof vests, special training or anything related to enhancing their respective units. “Each agency will have something they are looking to do (with the funds). They will write up a proposal and we’ll get the money to them,” explained Dan.
Anyone planning on attending or possibly purchasing a dinner is encouraged to go on to the Delta Eagles 2597 Facebook page and click on the “Going” or “Interested” button to give the Eagles members a better idea of how many “Back the Blue” supporters to expect and to be informed of all details.
Bill can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com
