Honoring Our Local Heroes

21-May-2025

At T.A.C.T. of NWA, we believe in serving others, not just through our professional work of cleaning and restoring environments after traumatic events, but also by supporting those who serve and protect our communities every day. This National Police Week, we had the incredible opportunity to honor some of those very heroes in our own backyard.

As a family-owned business, it’s important to us that our kids grow up knowing the value of respect, community service, and gratitude. That’s why Brett, Betsy, and their four children set out across Northwest Arkansas to visit our local police and sheriff departments. Our mission was simple: to say thank you!

A Family Effort

From the start, these outings were a team effort. With arms full of snacks, drinks, and notes, we packed up our minivan with goodies and our hearts with appreciation. Our children, each excited in their own unique way(and at times dressed up in unique ways), knew we were going to meet some real-life heroes—and not the kind you see in movies, but the ones who wear uniforms and patrol the streets of our neighborhoods.

As parents, it’s hard to put into words the pride we felt watching our kids prepare to meet the people who risk their lives every day to keep us safe. They asked questions about what officers do, who to look for when we need help or are lost, what a sheriff is, and why it’s important to say thank you. It sparked conversations that we hope will stay with them for years to come.

What Is National Police Week?

Before diving into the highlights of our visits, it’s important to reflect on what National Police Week means. First established by President John F. Kennedy in 1962, National Police Week is a time to honor law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to recognize the daily sacrifices officers make across the country.

For us, it wasn’t just about saying thanks, it was about making connections, showing up, and demonstrating to our children the importance of community, compassion, and courage.

First Stops: Fayetteville and Springdale Police Departments

Our first stop was the Fayetteville Police Department. As we pulled up, our kids were practically bouncing out of their seats. With boxes of snacks in hand—everything from beef jerky and trail mix to vitamin water and candy—we were greeted warmly by officers who took the time to welcome us and answer the kids' endless stream of questions and requests for stickers.

Brett chatted with several officers about the shared challenges of our line of work—trauma scenes, high-stress environments, and the importance of mental health and resilience. The officers expressed gratitude not just for the snacks, but for the recognition. One officer told us, “It means more than you know that families take the time to visit and say thank you.”

Our kids were thrilled to see police cars up close, and one of the officers even let them sit in the driver’s seat for a photo. Their eyes lit up when they heard the sirens and got to press a few buttons (with supervision, of course!).

From there, we made our way to the Springdale Police Department. Here, the officers were staying busy, but that didn’t stop them from greeting us with smiles and stories. We learned about the department's community outreach programs and how they work closely with residents to build trust.

Onward to Rogers and Bentonville

At the Rogers Police Department, our kids handed out individual snack jars they’d helped prepare the night before. The snacks had a small note: “Thank you for your service in our community!” Some were decorated with hearts, badges, and stickers from the kids.

The officers at Rogers took the time to explain the coordination and teamwork it takes to keep a city safe.

At the Bentonville Police Dept. we had a fun time getting silly pictures with the officers! Brett was able to pick their brains about needs within their facilities as well as who cleans out their cruisers when the get dirty.

Honoring the County Heroes: Benton and Washington County Sheriff's Offices

No visit would be complete without stopping at our county sheriff’s departments. At both the Washington County and Benton County Sheriff’s Offices, we were met with warmth and gratitude. The deputies were especially generous with their time, giving us a peek into their daily operations and even showing our kids some of the tools they use: non-lethal gear, radios, body cameras, and more. We also have to mention the support staff of the sheriffs department as well.

Our kids got to meet K9 officers and learn about their training, dedication, and bond with their handlers. It was a highlight of the day and sparked a whole new wave of curiosity in our kiddos.

A Moment to Reflect

As we wrapped up our visits, our hearts were full. The trips had been long, but the energy in our van on the rides home was electric. Our kids took turns talking about their favorite parts of the day—the police cars, the K9s, the friendly officers, the walkie-talkies. They asked when we could do it again.

We looked at each other and smiled. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, in the day-to-day demands of running a business, parenting, and just keeping up with everything. But days like this remind us why we do what we do.

We serve because we care. We give because we’re grateful. We show up because we believe in the power of community. A connected community is a healthy community!

A Special Thank You

To the officers, deputies, dispatchers, and everyone else working behind the scenes in Northwest Arkansas law enforcement—thank you. Thank you for your tireless dedication, your strength, and your compassion. Thank you for showing our kids what bravery looks like. Thank you for being the backbone of our communities.

To the families of law enforcement—thank you for sharing your loved ones with us, especially during late nights, holidays, and the most difficult of days. Your support makes their service possible.

And to our fellow community members, we encourage you: take a moment to thank an officer. Drop off a coffee. Write a note. Teach your kids about the people who wear the badge. Because sometimes, the smallest gestures leave the biggest impact.

Looking Ahead

This won’t be our last time visiting. In fact, we’re already planning how we can do more next year—maybe partner with other local businesses, organize a community thank-you drive, or sponsor a lunch for a department.

At T.A.C.T. of NWA, we’re proud to be part of the Northwest Arkansas community. We’re proud to work alongside the incredible men and women of law enforcement. And we’re especially proud to raise our kids in a place where service, gratitude, and kindness are not only encouraged but celebrated.

To all the officers reading this: stay safe, stay strong, and know you are deeply appreciated. From our family to yours—thank you, and happy National Police Week.