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'Thank you, police officers'

Lead Summary
,
By
Lori Sorenson

In the wake of recent national attacks on law enforcement officers, some Rock County residents are going out of their way to support local men and women in uniform.
On Friday, July 8, Stacy Schepel and her two young daughters delivered donuts to the Law Enforcement Center on North Blue Mound Avenue.
Along with them was a colored page with the words, “Thank you, police officers.”
That was the day after the attack on officers in Dallas where 12 officers were shot — five of them fatally — by a sniper during a protest march.
The suspect told authorities he was upset about the police shootings of two black men that week and wanted to exterminate whites, “especially white officers.”
Verbrugge said the Schepels’ show of support was exactly what his office needed.
“Thanks, Schepel ladies,” he posted on Facebook with a photo of himself with his visitors.
“It brought me to tears after you left. Today was the first day that I have ever felt scared going to work. Then you came and it made it worth it.”
Schepel said their motivation was simple. “It was the least we could do this morning,” she replied on Facebook.
“It's important to me that the girls see you guys, know you guys, build relationships with each of you that are impactful and respectful. Hope you enjoy them (the donuts) and have a very blessed day.”
Verbrugge said others have been supportive and expressed concern.
“We have had individuals drop off cookies, donuts, popcorn balls,” he said. “Cards have been sent along with colorings of police cars from day cares, etc.”
He said overall the Sheriff’s Office has public support, but there are always a small minority that carry a loud voice.
“Most times they will wait for all the information before they speak, but again that is most people,” Verbrugge said.
“We still deal with individuals here that don't like us and they voice that on social media because they don't have all the information.”

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