Tyler

By MALENA OGLES
Staff Writer

Fun, fellowship and ice cream flowed Thursday evening as the work of Smith County peace officers and emergency personnel was celebrated with an appreciation dinner.

About 230 law enforcement and emergency response personnel attended the 14th annual Greater Tyler Association of Realtors appreciation dinner in the Rose Garden Center.

"It's just our way of saying thank you, giving them a relaxing casual night," said Jason Wright, president of GTAR.

GTAR handed out 56 prizes, including a flat-screen television and a gift basket filled with assorted condiments.

"This is just a small way that we can show our gratitude for law enforcement and emergency personnel," Wright told the crowd. "This is your night. It's our way to say thank you so much for what you do."

Wright told the emergency personnel he was impressed by how well the officers, firefighters and paramedics handled the extra work caused by Hurricane Ike.

"It was amazing how you all kept our city safe and provided a temporary home for our neighbors. Thank you so much for what you did," he said.

Jamie Beasley with GTAR said the attendance in banquet was down from last year because many of the men and women who would have normally attended were still helping in hurricane-stricken areas.

For those who were able to attend, barbecue, bread and beans were on the menu capped with a dessert of cookies and ice cream.

While the parents finished eating, children of emergency workers riffled through goodie bags waiting to see if their number was called for a door prize.

A Tyler detective took home the flat-screen television.

"This is always great," Tyler Police Department Chief Gary Swindle said. "It really makes you feel special and shows the public safety the support we have. It takes that support for us to do our job. It's just super that they go out and do this for the officers, the firemen, the volunteer firemen. It just gives them a little boost," Swindle said.

CONGRATULATIONS: Greater Tyler Association Of Realtors President Jason Wright (left) checks Rodney Harrington’s raffle ticket during a banquet for Tyler-area peace officers and emergency personnel held by the GTAR on Thursday in Tyler. Harrington, a member of the Tyler Police Department, won a flat-screen television.
(Staff Photo By Mark Roberts)