Murphy – Ballistic vests are a big tool used in helping to keep law enforcement officers safe in the line of duty. They are an expensive item to provide.
The Bikes, Brews & BBQ fundraiser to help raise money for those vests was held on Sept. 17 and many folks came out to help support the effort. The event was organized by “Sig,” the secretary of Nam Knights, Appalachian Chapter, motorcycle club.
Chris Poston, also known as Sig, is a former K-9 handler. When asked how this fundraiser came about, he said, “We like to do several events a year. We raise money for different things and give it away. I wanted to raise money toward the K-9 unit.
“We contacted the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the K-9 unit. They had lost a dog last year and needed some assistance with some equipment. They said they needed two ballistic vests for two new dogs. I said no problem, we’re gonna do an event.”
The day’s festivities included plenty of eats and drinks from Buck Bald Brewing and Smoky Mountain BBQ. Live music was provided by Bill Vespasian, as folks were gathered around and appeared to be enjoying the entertainment.
There were also a couple of raffles to help raise money for the ballistic vests. Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel donated a one-night stay, dinner for two and breakfast the following morning toward the cause.
Both the sheriff’s office and Andrews Police Department had their K-9 units out.
Megan Selby wanted to be a chef when she was a little girl. She ended up being an officer for the Town of Andrews and loves her job.
She came out to the event on her day off with her K-9, Kiera. Selby did a demonstration with her four-legged partner, showing just how vital a K-9 is in assisting law enforcement officers.
Kiera demonstrated a vehicle search for drugs. She went around the Jeep and sat down when she found the hidden drugs. The “meth” that was used in the simulation was scientifically created synthetic dope – not the real thing.
“I love being a part of it. I think this is awesome to have someone local organize something to raise the funds for the equipment we need as well as the donated items. It’s great,” Selby said.
Dennis Dore has been a deputy with the sheriff’s office for four years and is also a K-9 handler.
“We have a war on drugs here in Cherokee County, and law enforcement with a K-9 unit is an integral part of combating that drug problem,” he said. “The fact that somebody took that initiative to help support and protect us with vests for both me and the K-9 is huge for us.”
The two ballistic vests were donated by Michael Foreman with Point Blank Enterprises, a body armor company out of Pompano Beach, Fla.
Foreman was a police officer for 30 years and a K-9 handler himself.
“When I saw they were doing this event, we wanted to support law enforcement as we do every day. We’re very proud of our officers who protect us,” he said. “They’re in more harm today than they ever were potentially. We’re so proud to participate and make a donation.”
The two vests that were donated were measured specifically to the deputy and his K-9. The donation from Foreman was valued at about $3,000.
“This makes us feel wonderful. We all owe it, to pay it forward. The Nam Knights organized this first-class job. We support the sheriff’s office, and we’re in the business to save lives. That’s what we’re committed to,” he said.
Bikers, cops, locals and visitors all came out and everyone seemed to appreciate the efforts put forth to get the needed equipment for local law officers. The weather was bright and sunny, helping make the event even more enjoyable.
Sig and Nam Knights, Appalachian Chapter, have a philanthropy component to their club. They plan to do more fundraisers that benefit K-9s and those who deploy them in the line of service.