Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
School Resource Officer Jerry Blackmon got a pleasant surprise on Wednesday, Feb. 15. Sonny's BBQ was on the scene at Jefferson County Schools' Turning Point campus to present him with a Random Act of Kindness Award. When Blackmon was ushered into a conference room at the school, he had a bit of a happy shock to see balloons, a large thank-you poster, a decorated cake and a Sonny's Family Feast lunch waiting for him, along with lots of grinning colleagues and students. He had been nominated for the award by JCS Bus Driver Annette Benjamin.
Holly Henry, general manager at the Sonny's BBQ in Thomasville, Ga., explained what it was all about.
“We're having our Random Act of Kindness Week,” she said, “and today's nomination was Mr. Jerry Blackmon. He continues to inspire and impact our youth. We are so fortunate to have him. His colleagues speak very highly of him, and we are here to celebrate him.”
Addressing Blackmon directly, she added, “Since talking to several different people, when they talk about you, they glow through their voice. You inspiring and are impactful to a lot of people. You should know that, that you are super important, and we just want to appreciate you today. We are so happy that there are people like you in this world.”
The official day-glow green certificate presented to Blackmon says, “This award honors Jerry Blackmon for making kindness the norm and for spreading the spirit of BBQ.”
Colleagues of Blackmon's who teach at Turning Point echoed the sentiment, noting how much Blackmon loves the kids, how big-hearted he is and how special it is that he is good to every last student there.
Capt. William Massey of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) commented, “Officer Blackmon is definitely a passionate person. He is dedicated to helping the kids here in Jefferson County. A lot of kids go to him for advice. A lot of kids go to him just to talk. He is truly an asset to Jefferson County as far as keeping our kids on the right track. I wish him well. This little, small ceremony is definitely well deserved. I just want to say congratulations, Officer Blackmon.”
Blackmon, who has been an officer of the law for more than 30 years, was rendered nearly speechless by the attention given to him, but said, “It's great. I love the kids. That's why I'm here for, to make a change.”
Sheriff Mac McNeill was unable to attend the ceremony but provided a statement later, saying, “I want to thank Corporal Jerry Blackmon for his dedicated service in protecting and mentoring our youth. Cpl. Blackmon has served as a School Resource Deputy for over a decade and has truly made a difference in the lives of our young men and women over the years.”
Sonny's Q the Kindness ® award campaign is the company's way of spreading the spirit of BBQ, one kind deed at a time. Their website says, “Q the Kindness means being kind every chance you get. And we know firsthand how it has the power to lift spirits, connect communities and spark somethin’ bigger than BBQ.”
For those who know SRO Blackmon, it's clear he knows how to “Q the kindness” to uplift and connect with the people of Jefferson County, and especially the youth and teachers at Turning Point.
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