Southern Illinoisans are invited to talk with law enforcement officers of all stripes on Friday, at the three La Fiesta Authentic American Grill restaurants in Marion, Benton and West Frankfort.
Amanda Isaacs, who does public relations for the restaurants and is the wife of an Illinois state trooper, pulled together a daylong salute to local law enforcement along with restaurant owner Julio Rodriguez and manager Carlos Hernandez.
Police, sheriff’s officers, state troopers and other members of the law enforcement community will be at the restaurants on Friday, primarily between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and again from 4 to 8 p.m.
“I want our communities to come together and support our officers,” Isaacs said Thursday. “Of course, if they get a call, they’ll have to go, which is why we’re keeping it casual. But if they go, they’ll come back.”
The event is not a fundraiser or a benefit, just an opportunity to talk to officers about their jobs, ask questions about law enforcement or even just say “thanks.”
Isaacs said officers from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Marshals Service have been invited but have not confirmed. So, she isn’t sure if they will be coming as well.
The departments taking part are excited by the opportunity to meet the public in non-stressful circumstances, Isaacs said.
The staff at each restaurant location will wear specially made T-shirts, which will be available to order.
The La Fiesta Authentic American Grill restaurants are at 1000 N. Carbon St., Marion; 110 Jackson St., Benton and 1402 W. Main St., West Frankfort. Restaurant hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. There is no admission fee and a purchase is not necessary.
For more information, call the restaurants: (618) 993-0028 in Marion; (618) 435-2888 in Benton; (618) 937-2838 in West Frankfort.
