Stories

Pierre Honors Local Police

By Heidi Shoemaker

The work of police officers is often difficult and thankless. To communicate well-deserved gratitude, South Dakota’s Pierre Church honored their local police department during a special October Sabbath service.

Local police representatives included Chief Elton Blemaster, along with Pierre City Commissioner Jesse Naze. Pastor Fred Shoemaker presented Blemaster with a plaque for his department, showing appreciation for brave service and commitment to the Pierre community. A fellowship meal that followed allowed members to get personally acquainted with police officers and city officials in attendance.

One officer testified, “You are the first church in Pierre to do something like this for us.” The event was one of a series of community events and seminars that began 18 months ago with a distinctive service honoring the local fire department.