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Residents, friends and family gathered together at Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken in Alabaster on June 11 to honor the officers of the Alabaster Police Department for their continued service. (For the Reporter/Jason Homan)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Officers of the Alabaster Police Department strolled down a blue carpet into Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken as friends, residents and elected officials cheered them on and expressed their gratitude during this year’s Alabaster Police Appreciation Dinner.

This year’s installment of the annual Alabaster Police Appreciation Dinner took place at Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken in Alabaster on June 11 and provided members of the APD with a free meal and gift bags as well as a drawing for various prizes.

“This year’s Alabaster Police Appreciation Dinner was not just a success, it was a testament to the strength and unity of our community,” Cpl. John St. Pierre said. “We were thrilled to see such a large turnout, and the event was filled with positive energy and heartfelt interactions between our officers and the community. The evening was a celebration of our shared values, marked by incredible blessings from our community, delicious food and a strong sense of fellowship.”

The event began with a blue carpet sprawled out in front of the entrance of restaurant as locals cheered officers on as they entered inside the business. Once inside, the officers were treated to a free meal, prizes, live music and had the chance to enjoy time with each other and with their families.

“The appreciation dinner has always been a highlight for us, and this year was no exception,” St. Pierre said. “It provided a much-needed opportunity for our officers to unwind, share stories and build stronger bonds with each other and our community members. The outpouring of support and appreciation truly uplifted everyone’s spirits, reinforcing our commitment to serve with dedication and integrity.”

During the event, Alabaster Mayor Scott Brakefield addressed the crowd and showed his appreciation to both the officers that serve and their families.

“Our men and women in uniform—we can’t thank you enough for everything you do for the city to keep us safe,” Brakefield said. “I also want to special thanks to the wives, the children, the sisters, the moms (and) the dads that are in the room tonight. I’m a product of a law enforcement father, so I know what it’s like to miss holidays when my dad had a really cool job, but I didn’t ever get to see him on Christmas. So, I really want to say I appreciate the families that support our men and women in uniforms.”

The event was made possible thanks to Dena Bedsole who organizes it each year alongside the help of Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken and its staff who hosted it as well as Cultivate Church who paid the bill for all of the officers at the restaurant.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Bedsole family, Dena Bedsole and her team for their tireless efforts in ensuring everyone had a wonderful experience,” St. Pierre said. “I am also beyond words in expressing my thanks to Cultivate Church, our business owners and the community for their generous donations to our officers. To the volunteers who served, your efforts were noticed and are deeply appreciated. Finally, I want to acknowledge the officers recognized for their outstanding service this year; your dedication sets a high standard for us all.”

Now, with the appreciation dinner over and another year of service on the way, St. Pierre said the Alabaster Police Department is committed to continuing its close collaboration with the community.

“Together, we will nurture an environment of safety, support and mutual respect,” St. Pierre said. “Your trust and support are the pillars of our work, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership in the future.”

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