December 17, 2022 | More than a dozen businesses and citizens are sponsoring a “Back the Blue 901” initiative for officers with the Memphis Police Department, beginning with complimentary coffee and breakfast for each of the department’s nine precincts.
“A couple of months ago, a community group met with Mayor Strickland to see what we could do to start a community effort to show our MPD officers how grateful we are for their service,” said Julie Wunderlich, one of the group’s organizers. “We need to retain our existing police force and create a supportive atmosphere across the city for our MPD. If they feel valued, more people will want to join the force.” The group’s first efforts would be to provide officers in all nine police precincts with a holiday breakfast to appreciate their efforts in keeping the community safe during difficult times.
“Children from several elementary schools have made Christmas cards for the MPD. Sponsors have eagerly pledged to support this endeavor, and neighborhoods throughout the city have stepped up to host what we hope will be the start of an annual holiday tradition,” said Wunderlich. “We’re all Memphians, and we’re all in this together. Finally, we need to thank our Memphis police officers for all they do; this is a perfect time.