The first of what Allen County Attorney Wade Bowie hopes is many tributes to local law enforcers brought a festive atmosphere Friday evening to Iola’s North Community Building.
Bowie hosted police and sheriff’s deputies from Iola, Humboldt, Moran and elsewhere in Allen County as part of a law enforcement appreciation banquet.
“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Bowie said. “It’s a small way to show appreciation for all that they do for us.”
The goal in future years is to have guest speakers talk about various topics pertinent in the world of law enforcement, Bowie said.
The meal was catered by Jason Kegler of Keg’s Pit BBQ in Iola.
Funding for the meal comes out of Bowie’s diversion funds budget.
Diversion agreements are when Bowie reaches a pact with a defendant to eventually dismiss criminal charges if the defendant stays out of trouble and meets other obligations over a specified period.
