Over the past few months, the already tense job of law enforcement officer has become even more stressful. Riots and protests have broken out across the country and officers have been murdered in cold-blood.
With this in mind, Morgan Guyll and Brooklyn McAlister began brainstorming ways to show the "boys in blue" their appreciation.
Guyll says that she has multiple relatives in law enforcement, so the issues they face hit particularly close to home.
"I have family that works with Benton County as well as the Bentonville Police Department," she said. "It runs in my family."
After browsing Pinterest, a DIY-website, the young ladies decided to create a personalized door hanger and a bag of goodies for each of the 16 officers on the Pea Ridge Police Department.
Guyll and McAlister will be seniors at Pea Ridge High School this fall. They have worked as marketers at Farmer's Insurance since April.
When their supervisor, Lori Rodgers, heard about their initiative, she chose to get involved as well.
"Farmer's Insurance has an affinity for supporting law enforcement, teachers, nurses, doctors -- all those in the service sector," Rodgers said. "They actually subsidized half of the cost of supplies."
On July 30, ladies from Farmer's Insurance visited the Pea Ridge Police Department to deliver their gifts to the officers.
The door hanger is in the shape of the first letter of their last name and is painted black with a bold blue line across the middle.
A thin blue line has come to symbolize those who "back the blue" or stand in support of those who protect and serve.
The treat bag includes a variety of sweets and a message explaining the meaning behind each.
It reads:
"A LifeSaver to remind you of the many times you've been one.
A Starburst for that burst of energy you need.
A Payday because you're not doing it for the money.
A paper clip to help hold it all together.
Hershey Kisses because you deserve them from all.
Gum to help your unit stick together.
A Tootsie Roll to help you roll with the punches.
A peppermint patty to help you keep your cool.
A Snickers to remind you to keep your sense of humor.
A Mounds for the mounds of courage you need."
Veteran detective Brandon Davis said that recent national turbulence has brought supporters out of the woodwork.
"On the day of the Dallas shooting, I had multiple people approach me in the supermarket and offer kind words," Davis said.
Local residents have offered encouragement by bringing in drinks, baked goods, snacks, gift cards and paying for the meals of multiple officers.
"For the past several weeks, we've had a lot of support from the public," Chief Ryan Walker said. "We are very blessed by members of this community."
General News on 08/10/2016