Many law enforcement officers and other government officials got an early Christmas present yesterday thanks to some college students.

Fusion, a group of Chilton County college students, sponsored a Christmas dinner for local law enforcement agencies and emergency officials at the Clanton Police Department at lunchtime.

The group had the meal catered with four turkeys, rolls, dressing, green beans, cranberry sauce and gravy for the officers to eat. Fusion members also helped serve the meals and prepare take-out dinners for the officer.

Those invited to participate included officers from both the Clanton Police Department and the Chilton County Sheriff’s Department along with Clanton city officials and workers in the Chilton County 911 office.

Fusion group member Bridget Young said they wanted to give back to the community.

“We just wanted to show our appreciation for our police officers and other officials,” Young said.

Clanton Police Chief Brian Stilwell thanked the group and others in the community that have shown their appreciation during the holiday season.

“We’ve had several groups come and bring us food during the holiday season,” Stilwell said. “We’re very grateful for everyone who took their time to show their appreciation for us.”

Fusion is a group that just began meeting this summer. Young said it is a way for college students to connect and to worship together.

“We normally get together at least once a month,” she said. “This is the first time we have served lunch for our local police officers.”

For more information on Fusion, you can connect with them on their Facebook page.

— Brent Maze can be reached at brent.maze@clantonadvertiser.com.