The Kennesaw Police Department want to thank whoever is in this photo.
A group of officers went to dinner Friday night and their sergeant planned to pick up the tab. When he went to pay, though, a server let them know someone else already had. The officers posed for a photo with their benefactors but didn't think to get their names.
If you're in the photo, know that the Kennesaw Police Department appreciates you!
Here's the message the sergeant posted on the department's official, public Facebook page:
"I am very grateful at the amazing acts of kindness that were bestowed upon me and my team last night (Friday, Dec. 9). I brought my team to Johnny’s New York Style Pizza located at 1635 Old 41 Highway at about 7:30 p.m. As a sergeant, I wanted to show my appreciation for my officers for doing what they do day in and day out. I had planned on paying for their dinner as a small token of my appreciation. After we placed our orders, I excused myself and pulled the waitress aside to let her know of my intention.
She hesitantly informed me that our bill had already been taken care of and after a little bit of coaxing, she told me that the bill had been split between the two tables next to where my team and I were sitting. She stated that they really did not want me and my officers to know but I felt that it was very important that they knew how much we appreciated them for taking care of our meal tonight.
Let me apologize for not getting any names but hopefully the picture will make up for my lack of forethought. If any of you reading this recognize anyone in the picture, please give them some props! Or if you are in this group, please identify yourself. I really didn’t want to intrude any more on the time you were spending with your families and friends than I already had. Let me take a moment to say a few words to you kind people tonight and all of you out there that have done this for our other officers on any given day and for all those who support us…
From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU. Thank you for letting us know you appreciate us. Thank you for letting us know that you are sorry and saddened to hear about our fallen brothers and sisters. Thank you for letting us know we are in your thoughts and that you pray for us and for our safety. Thank you for reminding us that no matter how bad things appear to be out here for law enforcement in general, there is always something good to be thankful for. While the act of taking care of the bill was lovely, what mattered more were the words you spoke.
While we, the Kennesaw Police Department, have been very lucky to always have a great showing of support from our community, we know that this is not the case in other parts of the nation. We also know that the poor action of one officer taints us as a whole in some people’s eyes so it is a great feeling when we hear that you appreciate us and that we are in your prayers and hope that we stay safe.
But know that your sympathy and empathy regarding our fallen brothers and sisters are the most treasured and most appreciated of all. We put on this uniform every single day accepting that we may not come home in the same manner we left it or that we may not come home at all. We accept this fate because we believe in the most basic rule of law enforcement: To Protect and Serve. To hear about one of our family members getting killed in the line of duty is the most sobering thought. In the last few months, there has been a daily reminder of what the worst day could be for any of us. It is gut wrenching. It is heartbreaking. And it has been soul crushing. So, to hear that you feel for us and the loss of our fallen brothers and sisters is appreciated beyond any words of gratitude I could attempt. Saying thank you just doesn’t seem enough but know that it comes from the bottom of our hearts.
Last, to the wonderful couple who did not know that our meal had been taken care of and dropped the $50 bill on our table (and refused to take it back), you are the icing on the cake tonight. Please know that we are donating your $50 to the Jerry Worthan Foundation so that it can help buy some toys for those children who are less fortunate.”
