“We wanted to make sure all police departments and the Sheriff’s Office serving here in Polk County had a chance to be appreciated,” Robles said. “Police officers risk their lives every day for normal people just like me.”
Robles is the general manager of the Bartow Ford Company, which will be hosting the Second Annual Blue Lives Matter Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday. The event takes place at the dealership, 2800 U.S. 98 N., and all local law enforcement officers will be welcomed to stop in and have a free meal catered by Smokin’ Jim’s BBQ.
“For our agency, it’s heart-warming,” said Jamie Brown, a spokeswoman for the Winter Haven Police Department. “Business are so giving because of their appreciation, and for Bartow Ford to do it countywide, that speaks volumes.”
Robles said last year’s event was well attended with members from about every law enforcement agency in the county showing up. The event is open to the public, according to a release.
“There is a possibility that, if you’re a family member of a police officer that when they go to work, they might not come back,” Robles said. “I’m sure they feel appreciated by their co-workers and their families, but they need to feel appreciated by the community as well. That’s a big thing in keeping them going.”
Sgt. Eric Sherouse, a spokesman for the Bartow Police Department, said, although he was unable to attend last year, many from the department did. Sherouse plans on attending this year.
“Bartow Ford has been very supportive of us in the past,” he said. “It’s a big morale booster knowing that the businesses, especially one as big as Bartow Ford, appreciate what you do.”
The Bartow Police Department has more than 35 sworn officers.
“As a department, our focus is on community-oriented policing,” Sherouse said. “I think we enjoy a pretty large and diverse support group throughout the community.”
Brown echoed those sentiments.
“Polk County is very military-friendly and law enforcement-friendly,” Brown said. “Bartow Ford is an institution in this community and it just goes to show their dedication.”