Because They Serve Us

Back The Blue Supports Local Police

Nearly two years ago, in 2020, Sue Esh of Gordonville received permission to organize an Adopt-A-Cop program for the Lancaster Police Department. Tina Edgell in Conestoga Valley School District (CVSD) noticed a post about the program on Facebook. In response, Edgell went to work setting up a similar program for the East Lampeter Township and West Earl police officers.

Edgell approached her friend Heather Butler for help because the two had previously worked together on projects in the CV area. "I said, 'I am in,'" recalled Butler. After Butler agreed to help, Edgell contacted Lampeter Township Police Chief Stephen Zerbe for approval and a list of his officers' names. Edgell created a Facebook group named "Back the Blue, Adopt A Cop East Lampeter PD."

"We had such an amazing response when we first started," said Butler, who noted that many officers were adopted by more than one family.

Edgell explained that the group asks those who adopt officers to fulfill a few requirements. "First of all, we ask them to pray for (officers) ... for (officers') families, and for protection for (officers)," said Edgell. Those who adopted officers were also encouraged to provide gifts, cards, books, and other items of encouragement and blessing.

Both Butler and Edgell recalled that during the early days, a meal program coincided with the search for missing murder victim Linda Stoltzfoos. "The (officers) were working 14- to 16-hour days," noted Butler.

"It worked out perfectly," added Edgell, who said there was plenty of food for local officers and visiting FBI agents.

Since that time, the group has organized efforts to coincide with holidays, such as giving patriotic-themed items around July 4 and bringing individual meals from Funck's restaurant to officers who worked on Thanksgiving. In early April, pizzas from Slugger's Pizzeria in Lancaster were delivered. Officers were treated to whoopie pies as well. Currently, the group serves 40 officers in the two departments.

Looking ahead, the organizers said they would like to see more group efforts, such as a monthly sandwich delivery.

Edgell reported that she shares the officers' responses on the group's Facebook page. "I try to share how thankful they are," she said.

"Tina and I love the community and the people in it," said Butler. "We want to serve and give back because they serve us."