Funeral home treats police, EMS to thank-you lunch

By Brie Handgraaf
The Wilson Daily Times

The lunch provided to area emergency personnel on Thursday at Joyner's Funeral Home was more than just a meal. It was a thank-you.

"We're a small community and we should look out for each other," said Dell Joyner, fourth-generation owner of the funeral home on Raleigh Road Parkway. "That is what life is supposed to be like. Imagine how much better the world would be if we all did just a little to help one another."

The idea for the lunch was spurred by the growing animosity for law enforcement — whether local police, sheriff's deputies or highway patrolmen — across the country as a way to reassure forces in Wilson and Nash counties that their efforts are appreciated.

"Law enforcement is our first line of defense against anarchy," Joyner said. "You can't truly lay your head down at night to rest if they weren't working. With all of our emergency services, you can call 24/7 and get friendly people at your door ready to help."

For that reason, the luncheon was opened up to all emergency personnel with hundreds cycling through the business for food and fellowship.

"It is great for them to show their appreciation by feeding us and having us come together as law enforcement and emergency service partners," said Wilson police spokesman Sgt. Steve Stroud. "It is not very often where we get to meet each other in a pleasant environment instead of at critical incidents."

Wilson County Emergency Medical Services Director Terry Barber said he was thankful EMTs were included in the event.

"I think it really shows the partnership we have with other emergency agencies," Barber said. "Law enforcement is being persecuted, but as a whole, we stand together as first responders doing important jobs in trying circumstances."

Joyner said the event involved an outpouring of support from staff and volunteers combined with contributions from other businesses.

"Several things were donated like the bread and beans by Bailey Cafe," he said. "We asked them to get it at-cost for us, but they gave it to us instead. Others donated some items and a local farmer donated the watermelon that we iced down overnight so it just melts in your mouth.

"We didn't care if we bought it all since we wanted to do this, but when word got out, the community wrapped its arms around us because they saw the importance in doing this for our emergency personnel."

Even when temperatures reached 100 degrees, Don Taylor of Road Hogs BBQ kept the grill filled with hot dogs and burgers while others helped fill up the plates of responders who took a break to eat in air-conditioning with coworkers or took it to go.

"This is a chance for the community efforts of our officers to come full-circle," Stroud said. "The police department wants to reach out to the community, but we also want them to reach back out to us. That is what partnerships are all about."

Copyright 2016 The Wilson Daily Times

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