350 local law enforcement officers received a special thank you from the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF) its Regional Affiliates in recognition of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Each year on January 9, communities across the U.S. take time to recognize the important work of the men and women who have answered the call to public service by commemorating, “National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.”

Acknowledging the vital role that public law enforcement holds in serving and protecting our communities and as a part of its 2022 Annual Meeting activities, the PACF’s staff and board recently assembled appreciation boxes for the Mid-Ohio Valley’s law enforcement officials. Local volunteers from across the Foundation’s 11-county service region delivered the boxes personally and expressed appreciation to a sampling of law enforcement officers from a variety of communities across the PACF service area. The boxes included fresh locally made potato chips donated by Mister Bee Potato Chips in Parkersburg; a cookie in the shape of a badge baked by area citizen Mary Wright; a pepperoni roll from JR’s Donut Castle in Parkersburg, hand sanitizer and a thank you note from the PACF.

“Our local law enforcement officers’ selfless dedication and tireless efforts have touched and changed the lives of countless people in our region,” said Judy Sjostedt Ritchie, PACF’s Executive Director. “These boxes were a way for us to say, ‘thank you for your dedication to duty and for your service to our communities’ and that we greatly appreciate your work throughout our region.”

“Our law enforcement works 24-hours a day to keep us safe," said Mary Anne Ketelsen, CEO of Mister Bee Potato Chips and PACF Board Member. “If anyone deserves recognition it is all of you! Thank you for your continued commitment and your willingness to serve the public.”

The Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates works with individuals, families, businesses, and civic or nonprofit organizations to make a positive and permanent commitment for the future of our community. The PACF is a single 501(c)(3) public charity that currently manages more than 500 charitable funds with more than $80 million in assets. Since 1963, the PACF has helped local citizens support charitable needs and touch every aspect of life in the region in a variety of lasting ways. For more information about the PACF, visit www.pacfwv.com or call 304-428-4438.