For those wondering what all of the police cars were doing at Johnson Elementary School early this afternoon, there wasn’t a thing to be worried about. In fact, the gathering of several of the city’s finest were there for a really good reason.

 

Once again, the administration joined the students and staff in thanking the Bridgeport Police Department as part of the national “Tell a Police Officer Thank You Day.” Although the actual day was Saturday, with school not in session today turned out the day for the school to give thanks to the officers and School Police Resource Officer Jamie Hamrick.

 

“We like to take time out of our school day to not only thank Officer Hamrick … who helps us in numerous ways. This is a token of our appreciation,” said Johnson Elementary Assistant Principal Heather Holbert said.

 

The work on those tokens started last week. Every student in the school, roughly 570, made cards for the Wives Behind the Badge organization, which is now NALES (National Alliance for Law Enforcement Support). Then, the students made more cards to be given to Hamrick and others on the city staff.

 

“The kids wrote the letters, wrote the banners, did the artwork and just about everything you see,” said Holbert a reception area outside of her office and that of BHS Principal Vicki Huffman.

 

Hamrick was joined by Walker, Deputy Chief Randy Hartley and several other officers during a gathering just after 1 p.m. The officers, many who had already reviewed some of the cards, were treated to cake, cookies and other treats courtesy of Johnson Elementary School.

 

Walker, who like many in the profession have been putting in long hours with the ongoing heroin epidemic in the area, was happy for a peaceful moment with staff. And more thankful that those that work with him were being recognized for their effort.

 

“We’re real honored that the school recognized us. We have a great relationship with all the schools in town,” said Walker. “It’s important, especially our elementary kids, to pay attention to them.

 

“It’s extremely important in today’s world that we have a PRO,” Walker went on when talking about Hamrick, who is the main contact between the schools and the police. “Jamie oversees all the schools in the city. If there is a problem, she is right there regardless of what’s going on. She also follows up on anything that is needed and that has been a great situation.”

The massive cake presented, along with other treats, was not able to be consumed today. However, it won’t go to waste.

 

“We’re sending the cake back to the department,” said Huffman. “We want everyone to know we appreciate their effort and work.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows those that took part gathering for a group shot, while Assistant Principal Heather Holbert serves cake in the middle photo, while Principal Vicki Huffman cuts the cake in the bottom photo.