Lafayette Group Thanks Local Police at Special Event

When life throws its worst moments at you, police officers are often the ones helping you through it, and one Lafayette group is making sure those helpers feel appreciated.

The Good Samaritan Project hosted a special ceremony Wednesday to honor officers from West Lafayette Police, Lafayette Police, Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office, and Indiana State Police. Founder Paula Davis brought together representatives from each department to share gratitude and recognition.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Jeremy Piers said the gesture meant more than people might realize. "It's never something that we come in the career field for, but it's always nice to see that someone appreciates you and appreciates what you do," he shared at the event.

Piers noted that Tippecanoe County stands out among the communities he serves across Indiana. The area shows unique appreciation not just for law enforcement, but for all first responders and military members who serve.

Davis's passion for supporting police comes from personal experience. Her father, cousin, and many other family members have worn the badge, giving her an inside view of what officers sacrifice.

"I understand the call that is on their lives and how dangerous it can be, and also the toll it can take on the family," Davis explained. "We want to make sure that law enforcement in our community and everywhere knows how much they are appreciated."

The Ripple Effect

For officers like Sgt. Piers, community connection drives the work itself. "We serve the community, and if you don't know who you serve, it's hard to serve them," he said.

Getting involved with the people they protect helps officers understand what their communities truly need. Those relationships turn badge numbers into familiar faces and transform routine calls into opportunities to genuinely help neighbors.

The Good Samaritan Project continues organizing events that bridge the gap between first responders and the communities they serve, creating spaces where gratitude flows both ways and reminding everyone that appreciation matters.