HOLDEN, Maine — National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was celebrated nationwide on Sunday. It's an opportunity for community members to say thank you to those who serve and protect community members every day.
The town of Holden held a pizza party thanks to the generosity of a local business, Newcom.
Governor Janet Mills also attended to personally thank those who wear the uniform in Maine.
Holden police officers say the job is very rewarding if done right.
"You can see the support of the people behind us. These are all people that are on our side and I'm very grateful for that," said Holden Police Chief Chris Greeley.
Greeley has been in law enforcement for about 32 years and has worked with four different police departments in the state.
"We are very busy, but I am very grateful," he said.
This event marked the end of the Holden Police Department's 25 Days of Kindness campaign which ran through December.
"This year we raised the most money, roughly $10,000, which we've regifted to the community, so we are able to help people. It's because of the generosity, support, and philanthropy of the people in this community," said Greeley.
"What goes around, comes around. Support from the community makes a great team and we support our community as well," said Officer Phil Boyd.
Boyd has been a police officer for two decades. For the past two years, he's been an officer with the Holden Police Department. He says the job is truly gratifying.
"You have to have the desire to truly want to help somebody," he said.
Governor Mills said that far too often, law enforcement personnel don't get the recognition and gratitude they deserve.
"Police officers have sort of taken it under the chin in many ways and in recent years and there's been some terrible abuses in other states and whatnot, but our law enforcement officers are a good group of people, and we want to encourage law enforcement officers to go into the profession," said Mills.
On Sunday in Holden, the governor thanked the officers that attended one by one.
"I wanted to meet all these fine people, I wanted to meet them here, not on the side of the road," she said.
Boyd also hopes other people consider the field.
"Please consider it," he said. "We do need you. We need caring, compassionate people who will act with integrity. If you have the desire to help people and to give people a chance, consider this field."