Last Thursday, a group of individuals led by citizen George Quinn and workers at the Third Rail Bar & Grill in Big Lake, held  an appreciation event for the local Police Dept. in Big Lake.

Front and center in the restaurant were a couple decorated tables with place mats, plates and silverware where officers who had some free time or were taking a lunch or dinner break, could enter and receive VIP seating and special meals just for them to say “thank you” from the community.

Quinn, a renowned community advocate, parked his 1964 police cruiser outside the bar and allowed visitors to take photos around it, get behind the wheel and even ignite the blaring siren.

Unfortunately, with the homicide event taking place that same day, it was maybe a handful of officers who could get away to come and take a seat at the restaurant. To make up for it, Chief Joel Scharf asked the kitchen of Third Rail if they could throw together some burgers and sides for the officers, deputies and emergency personnel who were staying busy at the crime scene.

All-in-all, it was a successful event and the police are grateful for the support.