September 2020 – In the wake of nationwide protests and demonstrations over what many claim to be systemic racism and police brutality, voices condemning law enforcement and calling for reduced funding or complete defunding of certain police departments have grown louder.
In a show of appreciation for their local police department, Lighthouse Missionary Baptist Church of Jonesborough, Tennessee, raised $23,000 – enough for each department employee to receive a check for $1,000.
“We have heard the news reports of entire police departments suffering from a debilitating lack of morale,” said Lighthouse pastor Perry Cleek. “In many places in America, local governments are signaling their support for those who are attacking law enforcement by defunding their local police. We wanted to make a bold statement in support of law enforcement … but to also show our support in a very practical way by recognizing and supporting each individual employee.”
