Appreciation BBQ for law enforcement in Bannock County

On Wednesday night, all law enforcement personnel in Bannock County were treated to a BBQ at the Portneuf Wellness Complex.

The BBQ was hosted by the Pocatello/Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce as a way to thank law enforcement for all they do for the community.

All law enforcement were invited, including the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, Pocatello and Chubbuck PD, Idaho State Police, probation officers, jail officers and all others. The BBQ was for the officers and their families. The chamber planned for between 600 and 700 people.

Matt Hunter, president of the chamber of commerce, said for the last 14 years, they’ve done an awards banquet to honor law enforcement. This year, the chamber decided it was time to do something different.

Hunter said the cost for the BBQ was around $5,000 to $6,000 and that amount is covered by community sponsors. Hunter said the biggest sponsor to help put on the BBQ was Portneuf Medical Center.

Hunter said law enforcement does a lot for the community and it’s important to show them that what they do is appreciated.

“We really love the law enforcement community,” Hunter said. “What they do for our entire area – they’re always there, always watching over us and that’s such an important thing. Without law enforcement, our community would be chaos.”

Law enforcement said it means a lot to them to see the community behind them.

“It makes me feel great,” said Ryan Fabrizius, trooper for Idaho State Police. “Just knowing that everybody’s there behind you and supports you. They’re giving back to us now and we’re just so thankful for that.”