It was in 2016 that a few Ohio KFC branches sparked massive outrage when they decided to place a sign on their door. The sign in the door of the Gallipolis KFC read: “All uniformed police officers eat free every day all day.” We can never thank the public sector enough for the work they do, dedicating their lives to protect ours. But the public didn’t seem to agree.
The owner of the store who resides in Ashland Kentucky spoke out on the positive calls he received from all over the country. “Law enforcement across the country from Miami, California, and different agencies, calling us just to thank us for what we’re doing for our local law enforcement.” Said Doug Knipp. “We’re hoping this catches on and hopefully goes nationwide.”
Knipp said that all of his branches in the tri-state will soon be doing the same
“It’s what’s going on in our country today that we all need everybody’s help and we want to step up,” said Knipp. The following locations are included: Huntington, West Virginia; Pikeville, Kentucky; Ashland, Kentucky; Grayson, Kentucky; Hazard, Kentucky; Burlington, Ohio; Gallipolis, Ohio; Jackson, Kentucky; Prestonsburg, Kentucky; Morehead, Kentucky; Wayne, West Virginia; Paintsville, Kentucky; and Louisa, Kentucky.
Many said that KFC was biased and that the offer should have been made available to other people in service too
Many asked why other people in service such as firefighters weren’t included, saying that ‘special treatment’ must also be given to them. The admin of Ohio Going Blue responded to them quite frankly. “This is a positive post, but some of you can’t see the bigger picture. As an officer, I do not go into any establishment expecting/wanting ANYTHING to be free or let alone even a discount.”
“Whether I’m in uniform or not, I can tell you other officers feel the same way. We don’t like “special treatment”. The fact is that KFC is acknowledging law enforcement, which is why this was posted.
To those who stated that other first responders should also be acknowledged. My answer? ABSOLUTELY.”
KFC’s gesture asserts the respect first responders needed
The officer’s comments above clearly prove that the stigma around the police can be damaging. Not all cops are bad. We know this, yet social media has created a negative blanket over them. They serve selflessly each and every day, putting their lives on the line to protect us. There’s nothing selfish in that at all.
Ashland police Chief Todd Kelley thanked Knipp. He also mentioned that the kind gesture would help improve the community-police relationship that has been broken down over the years. “Our ability to get out and work with the community and them work with us. It’s a two-way street,” said Kelley. “You guys are putting your life on the line for us,” said Knipp.
“Any time you’re on duty, it’s just our way of saying thank you.” “I think it’s a wonderful idea,” a customer told WSAZ. “I know it makes you feel safer to come and eat, I can tell you that.” We for one think that any positive praise for our officers should go noticed. Every little gesture can motivate a person to simply do better.
Sources
- “UPDATE: Uniformed police eat free; gesture goes viral.” WSAZ. Kaitlynn LeBeau. August 25, 2016
- “Ohio KFC in a moving gesture offers free food ‘every day, all day’ to the police acknowledging their service.” Indian Express. Express Web Desk. September 29, 2016.
