Members of Lindsay Lane Baptist Church, East Campus, treated Madison police officers and firefighters to a cookout. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Madison first-responders enjoyed a cookout as a gesture of appreciation from senior citizens from Lindsay Lane Baptist Church, East Campus at 1659 Nick Davis Road.

On Oct. 9, about 45 police officers and support staff and 12 firefighters from Station 1 attended the cookout, Lindsay Lane member Pat Ingrum said.

“Our police are getting a ‘bad rap’ all over. Some stories the guys shared let us know ‘peace’ (involves) perception. The police and firemen are genuine, good guys,” Ingrum said.

“Lindsay Lane East is well within the footprint and influence of the Madison Police Department. We have great respect and appreciation for the service and protection they provide,” Ingrum said. In addition, active and retired law enforcement officers attend Lindsay Lane.

“For these reasons, our church made a great effort to show love to these organizations that need our support now more than ever,” Ingrum said.

The event was part of Lindsay Lane’s annual weekend of community outreach, “Love Loud.” The local ‘mission trip’ intends “to love our community loudly by meeting needs because Jesus loves them,” Ingrum said. All projects include evangelism to people that church members meet and encouragement to attend the church of their choice.

Outside Madison City Hall, everyone ‘chowed down’ on grilled hot dogs, homemade potato salad and baked beans, chips, homemade cookies, tea and lemonade. Lindsay Lane members donated and served the food while talking to the crew and thanking them personally.

“We felt like we made a big impression on the officers. They really seemed to enjoy the attention,” Ingrum said. “It was a picture-perfect day to sit outside and enjoy the food and fellowship.”

“The event was a success because of expressions of thanks received from the officers,” Ingrum said. “We made sure we thanked them for their service to our community.”

Rev. Andy John King pastors Lindsay Lane East. For more information, call 256-232-0020 or visit lindsaylaneeast.org.