By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A China Grove resident says he’s had encounters with local law enforcement and the experience has left quite an impression. He and his wife are supporters of law enforcement and began thinking how they could thank them.

Patrick Wright, who owns a cyber security business in Cabarrus County, initially wanted to host a dinner, but quickly learned the logistics wouldn’t work for all 175 deputies.

“I have an uncle who is a retired captain of the Wilmington Police. I have very close friends in law enforcement. I’ve had the occasion to call upon law enforcement for various things, and by far Rowan deputies were the most professional, responsive and kind people I’ve met,” Wright said.

He added that with what’s been going on in this country, “law enforcement personnel are facing an increasingly difficult task.” They wake up and put on the badge while they are “being hunted and attacked on the street.”

So he began talking with Sheriff Kevin Auten and Capt. John Sifford and learned the Salisbury Chick-fil-A offers officers a discount when in uniform.

Wright thought to himself, what if officers had a gift card where they didn’t have to spend any money? He’s started a fundraising campaign online through Go Fund Me to ask the community to help provide $25 gift cards to each sworn deputy.

“It’s important to us that we show our appreciation for our law enforcement here in our own community. They have our backs, and we need to show them that we have their backs as well,” Wright said.

He said once the goal is reached, the gift cards will be distributed to all of the deputies. Any excess funds raised will be turned over to the Sheriff’s Office.

Wright also plans to have T-shirts made as a way to thank law enforcement, which he plans to make available at local events.

“So they will see Rowan County is a community that supports their law enforcement. They are not just a badge. They are regular people,” Wright said.

He wanted to do more than just tell officers thank you, so the T-shirts will be an outward show of thanks.

For more information, contact Patrick Wright via pwright85@gmail.com or 704-305-6217. To access the Go Fund Me page, visit gofund.me/2kmxs28s for more details.