Wheaton students show appreciation to local police

Jessi Barnes and Brooke Leonard, both seniors this fall at Wheaton North High School, organized a group of students and families to show up at the Wheaton Police Station at 7 a.m. Friday, June 17, with the goal to just say "thank you" and show their appreciation for the police - and acknowledge all the good things they are doing in their community.

They got the idea that especially these days the police may feel underappreciated for all the work they do that benefits the community. The students decided to get some friends and make handmade signs, bring balloons, and buy doughnuts as a small gesture of appreciation and show up on their "doorstep" to say thank you in person. They did call ahead the night before and received guidance on best time to come (between shifts) - so they could see a number of officers coming and going into the station.

The many officers who greeted them really appreciated the "morning welcome" and show of support. It seemed to make their day! As well as making Jessi, Brooke, and their friends feel like they supported those who rarely get enough praise these days.