Thank you can be said in many ways, and on Friday Chris Baker and Auto Collision Repair and Paint in Clanton provided lunch for the law enforcement departments in Chilton County.

Baker works with the Clanton Fire Department, and understands the stress and situations that can be encountered during the job on a daily basis.

“They don’t get told thank you enough for what they do,” Baker said. “This day was all about them.”

Every department in Chilton County was invited to take part in the festivities.

After talking it over with his wife, Baker decided what better way to show appreciation then with free food.

Shortly after coming up with idea, it was posted to social media and a pouring of support came from businesses and elected officials throughout the county.

A total of 45 sponsors helped combine to say thank you and make the lunch a success.

The bay area at Auto Collision Repair and Paint was transformed into a picnic area and housed a buffet line that included burgers, hotdogs, pulled pork, macaroni and cheese and potato salad.

While tensions have risen lately between law enforcement and residents, Chilton County chose to step forward and say thank you and offer lunch.

“We want the officers to know that we support them and that we’ve got their back as a community,” Baker said.

An array of prizes, such as gift cards, were drawn during a raffle and handed out to those in attendance.

On the day, Baker expected to feed about 75 to 100 personnel from multiple departments.

“This means the world,” State Trooper Chad Nalls said. “This town has always done their best to go out of their way to show appreciation.”