The Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) of Southside Baptist Church in Troy sponsored an appreciation luncheon for the local law enforcement officers and firefighters Tuesday at the church fellowship center.

Juanita Rogers, WMU director, said that many times the good deeds of these community servants go unrecognized.

“I’m sure our police officers, deputies and firefighters are appreciated but I’m not sure that we do a very good job of letting them know,” Rogers said. “At the WMU, we just wanted to say ‘thank you’ for looking after us as a community and always being there when you are needed.”

The appreciation luncheon was the second that the Southside Baptist Church WMU has sponsored.

“Everyone seemed to really enjoy the luncheon last year and we thought it was a good way to express our appreciation,” Rogers said. “We hope this will become an annual event. We’re planning for it to be because we want those who keep us safe to know that we are 100 percent behind them.”

Seventy-one meals were served to the “community helpers,” including the meals that were delivered.

“There were 11 people who couldn’t leave their posts and come to eat with us, so we delivered meals to them,” Rogers said.

The luncheon was sponsored by the five WMU groups and the cooks for the day were Hilma Bagley, Rita Shirley and Rogers.

Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas said that he and his deputies were very grateful for the appreciation shown to them and all of the others whose duty it is to protect and serve.

“It’s not often that we get treated like this,” Thomas said. “We do appreciate it.”

Thomas laughingly said that the luncheon was probably the last where he would “break bread” with Troy Police Chief Anthony Everage who will retire at the end of next month.

“This luncheon speaks well of the City of Troy,” Everage said. “Troy is a great city with good people like those who took time to do this for us.”

Troy Fire Chief Thomas Outlaw also expressed appreciation on behalf of the city’s firefighters to the WMU for its recognition of the services they provide.