In what has become a heartwarming, pre-Thanksgiving tradition, Fort Worth officers dished out more than just justice this holiday season, as they served up 3.5 tons of turkey to grateful families in the community.
For over two weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, officers from the Fort Worth Police Department handed over 600-plus turkeys on a first-come, first-serve basis. "It means a great deal because the gratification of seeing a child smile, to be able to eat and know that they have another dinner coming, it warms my heart because now I know they have a well-balanced meal," staff member Jennifer Epps at Carter Park Elementary School stated, according to the City of Fort Worth.
Some locations were transformed into winter wonderlands with hot cocoa and entertainement for the young and their guardians while they waited in line. There was also one spot that laid on a full buffet with over 500 hot servings of fajitas, rice, and beans dished out to-go.
Chief Neil Noakes could be seen heaving frozen turkeys from a truck, a scene illustrative of the force's commitment beyond the badge. “The officers of the FWPD work hard every day to give back and make a difference,” Noakes declared, “This is just another example of their incredible hearts and one of the reasons I’m thankful for them all year round. They do more than enforce the law when they see a need in the amazing communities we serve, they step up to help”, per the City of Fort Worth.
This was made possible with thanks to partnerships with local heroes like Canales Furniture, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, the NBA Retired Players Association, and Rio Bravo restaurant. Special mention must be made for the Metro Munchies program, Fort Worth Metro, founded nearly three decades ago by Officer Buddy Calzada and his wife Ruth, a duo dedicated to delivering delectable dinners to those in need.
