CHARLESTON, Mo. -- When one of Mississippi County's own was wounded in a shooting early this month, it reminded community members just how fortunate they were to have individuals who serve and protect them every single day.
Charleston resident Terry Parker, who is also the Mississippi County coroner, recalled March 10 when a Mississippi County deputy was shot and wounded while on duty in Wyatt.
"I was sitting at home that Friday afternoon, thanking God, that I did not have to respond (as the coroner) and thought that we need to honor our police officers and first responders throughout our county," Parker said.
Following a narcotics investigation conducted by the Mississippi County Sheriff's Department, deputies served a search warrant at a house at 9 a.m. March 10 in Wyatt, according to initial reports from Missouri State Highway Patrol. As the sheriff deputies entered the home, the 36-year-old suspect opened fire and one deputy was struck in the leg by a bullet.
Deputies then returned fire, striking the suspect who was flown to an area hospital and treated, according to the Patrol. The deputy was taken to local hospital where he underwent surgery, the Patrol said at the time.
The same day of the shooting Parker said he contacted his friend Anna Ferrell of Charleston, who works in public relations and marketing and has helped organize many fundraisers and celebrations.
Their idea was to hold an appreciation dinner.
"Our countywide agencies work hard, and we want to show them appreciation," Parker said.
The inaugural Mississippi County "Back the Blue" Appreciation Dinner will be at 6 p.m. April 6 at Charleston United Methodist Church Family Life Center.
"We realize what sacrifices they make, but when something like the shooting occurs, it truly hits home and you realize these people do give a lot not only for your family but theirs, too," Ferrell said.
Ferrell said she and Parker were thinking along the same lines following the officer shooting.
"I have a personal connection because my husband is a sheriff's road deputy. He was on the reserves for nine years and now he's on the force," she said.
Guest speaker will be new Missouri Public Safety Director and former Sikeston DPS Director Drew Juden.
"Drew worked his way up the ranks, and he knows firsthand what these guys are facing and he served that very road," Parker said. "He has always been a motivator."
Juden will help the Charleston community honor the men and women who work in law enforcement, Ferrell said. There will also be many door prizes, she said.
"I hope most of them can bring their families and have a nice meal and evening together," Parker said. "... We want them to bring their families because they suffer, too. We live in such an uncertain society now and we just need to show them we respect them."
Invitations were delivered to all law enforcement and family members with the Mississippi County Sheriff's Department, Charleston Department of Public Safety and Fire, East Prairie Police and Fire, Bertrand Police and Fire, Wyatt Police and Fire, the Mississippi County Rescue Squad, Mississippi County Ambulance District, Mississippi County Juvenile Detention Center and Missouri State Highway Patrol.
"We're super-proud of our folks and we want to show our appreciation and thanks," Ferrell said.
Ferrell and Parker created the Mississippi County Back the Blue Committee, and Ferrell said they will be filing for a 501(c)3 status.
"I started calling people I work with on a regular basis and asked for donations and it snowballed from there," Ferrell said.
Several area churches and agencies are participating in the event.
"It's not just a small group of people who are helping; we've really tried to open it up to everyone," Ferrell said.
Different churches are doing table decorations and serving drinks and some youth organizations are helping with serving and cleanup, Parker said.
The committee would like to create a perpetual award, Ferrell said, adding a plaque has been ordered and will list the recipients each year. The goal is to hang it in the Mississippi County Courthouse for all in the community to see, she said.
And help is still welcome, Ferrell said, adding other volunteers or local businesses who want to donate or assist should contact her or Parker.
"We want to get the awareness out and to get more people to join the committee. We want to continue with this and for it to be an annual event," Ferrell said.
Parker and Ferrell are planning for at least 300 attendees.
"Some officers have worked a long time and some are fresh and new and have lots of experience to gain," Parker said, adding he's regretful the community hasn't shown appreciation to its law enforcement in the past.
Ferrell agreed.
"It's so nice to see all of our agencies in Mississippi County working together to make the area a better place and show the residents we have a lot to be proud of," Ferrell said. "And as a community, let's turn it around and show our appreciation to them."
For more information about the Back the Blue Committee, contact Ferrell at 573-225-4164 or Parker at 573-233-2555.