Resident Thanks Police With A Cookout

SEBRING Charlie Lairsey had more than 20 guests for lunch Thursday - and they all carried badges.

Lairsey, along with his nephew, Tim McLaughlin, hosted a cookout for members of the Sebring Police Department at his Colmar Avenue home.

The host said he decided to treat the officers to a lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs as a way of showing his appreciation for the work they do.

"They don't always get a pat on the back," Lairsey said.

The thanks, in particular, is because of the SPD's response to problems in the neighborhood. Lairsey said his fence was broken half a dozen times in several places.

McLaughlin, who was on grill duty, was asleep early one morning when, at 4:05, he heard a knock on the door.

He said he looked out his peep hole and saw four guys outside, all wearing "hoodies." McLaughlin hit the light switch and the men took off running.

McLaughlin said he called the police and officers spent 90 minutes searching the area for them, although no one was ever located.

The SPD's response, as well as having family members who were involved in law enforcement, were the reasons McLaughlin wanted to spend his Thursday afternoon cooking lunch for those whose job it is to serve and protect.

The officers were appreciative of Lairsey and McLaughlin's generosity and made a point to thank them and shake their hands.

"It's just our way of saying thank you to the police department," Lairsey said.