After months of dealing with tragedy, the Dickson County community thanked its emergency personnel and law enforcement officers with an appreciation luncheon.
It was an idea that first came to Crystal Fulcher in April when 5-year-old Joe Clyde Daniels disappeared from his home. Fulcher and her husband, who is the Chief of Police in White Bluff, were out of town as a massive search got underway for Daniels.
"We felt helpless being so far away," Crystal said. "So I was like what can we do?"
Crystal began organizing a dinner, with help from Teresa Little whose husband is the Assistant Chief of Police in White Bluff. As their planning unfolded, a second tragedy hit Dickson County when Sergeant Daniel Baker was murdered while on duty.
"Not only have these been losses for our community, but it’s so hard for our responders to go through that," Little said. "Their families have to be away from them, and they’re out all day and night searching. It’s really hard for everybody."
On Sunday, dozens helped organize, set up, and cook for the appreciation luncheon. Local businesses donated food and desserts.
Officers who attended the event said it gave them time to unwind and spend time together off the clock.
"We’re bad about keeping things to ourselves, so having friends or colleagues we can talk to is good for all of us," said Chris Fulcher, White Bluff's Chief of Police.
Organizers hope to make the appreciation luncheon an annual event.
