Bike shop serves up delicious thank-you for county workers
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Columbia County Sheriff's Office deputies Wesley Mack (left) and Keith Warner talk riding gear after a free barbecue lunch at Augusta Harley Davidson Saturday.
Photo by Kevin Martin
What better way to show appreciation than to fill an empty stomach?
Employees of Augusta Harley Davidson had lots of tummies to fill as Columbia County police officers, firefighters and emergency medical workers rumbled into the parking lot Saturday on their motorcycles or in their cars, on- and off-duty alike.
They came because owner Craig Kane and the other employees of the Harley Davidson shop on Frontage Road provided a free barbecue lunch for them as a show of appreciation for all they do to keep the community safe.
"We are always thinking of how we can return something to the community in some way," Kane said. "The firefighters and police officers get so little recognition. We wanted to do something as a business to honor them - let them know we appreciate them."
Many of the personnel agreed they felt appreciated with a mouthful of barbecue.
Columbia County Sheriff's Office Deputy Wesley Mack was on duty, but was able to swing in on his department-issue Harley long enough to get a barbecue sandwich, potato salad and a cold soda. Many, like Deputy Keith Warner, came by on their day off to take advantage of the free meal and look at all the other motorcycles.
Martinez Fire Department firefighter Roy Wright enjoys his free barbecue lunch as firefighter Alex Keller, both of Engine Co. 2, prepares to take lunch back to his on-duty buddies.
Staff
People who could not make it to the shop because duty called had fellow officers bring lunch to them.
"We wanted to do something for kind of in remembrance of Sept. 11, we are going to do a couple of different things, but we were thinking of ways we could show our appreciation for law enforcement and for the firefighters," said Ann Kersey, controller for the store. "Of course, a lot of the law enforcement officers ride bikes, so we have gotten real close to them. It is just something to show that we appreciate all that they do everyday. I know it is just once a year, but it was something we wanted to do for them."
They also received a discount on any merchandise they purchased that day.
Martinez Fire Department Engine Co. 2 brought out the Fire Safety House, fire truck and extrication unit for children visiting the shop.