March 28, 2024

‘Supporting our local heroes’

Moose Lodge prepares dinner to thank law enforcement

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For as many times law enforcement officers in Newton and Jasper County put their lives on the line to protect their communities, members of the Moose Lodge 923 thought the least they could do to show their gratitude is make them all a complimentary dinner Wednesday evening.

Travis Coady, governor of Moose Lodge 923, was tasked with serving up plates of baked spaghetti and toasted garlic bread to offers of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and the Newton Police Department while the rest of his team, including his brother Terry, prepared salads and desserts and cleaned the dishes.

They moved like a well-oiled machine. All the while, empty plates were retrieved by servers and sent back to the kitchen. They took it as a good sign. Even more so when officers stood up and left their seats for a helping of cake.

“We’re supporting our local heroes,” Travis said. “It’s an appreciation dinner. We just started doing this. We did one for the firefighters and ambulance crews three or four months ago.”

Hoping to honor both sets of public service members annually, Travis said the Moose Lodge is all about giving back to and getting involved with its community. Travis added he is appreciative of everything the sheriff’s office and police department does for their respective towns.

“They take care of us, so we take care of them,” Travis said. “A lot of times they don’t get the respect they deserve. There can be so much negativity about law enforcement these days.”

Officers were also encouraged to bring their families to the dinner. Terry Coady, prelate of Moose Lodge 923, helped serve food Wednesday evening to the members of law enforcement, who he referred to as “unsung heroes.”

“I can’t imagine a community without them. They go to work everyday and they’re not 100 percent sure they’re going to come home that day. So we need to be grateful and try to just give back just a little bit,” he said.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com