Fort Worth’s Billy Bob’s joins efforts to support police

Billy Bob’s Texas is inviting police to an appreciation event Monday that will be the kickoff for a Nov. 8 celebration featuring live music.

Both events are free to the public.

From 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday, law enforcement officers are invited to enjoy drive-up coffee, doughnuts and newspaper service in front of Billy Bob’s Texas. Volunteers and supporters are welcome to attend and show support for everyone who puts on a badge.

Next Sunday, Nov. 8, those wearing the badge are invited to enjoy music from Jacob Furr, Grady Spencer and the Keith Mitchell Band. The doors will open at 2 p.m., and law enforcement members and their supporters will be treated to a military police exhibit, special weapons and tactics presentation, and equestrian demonstration before the music starts.

The Back the Badge movement began as a local effort to show support for law enforcement officers. As the movement grew, so did the ideas to show support for current and fallen officers. Support for the movement grew into a network of thousands.

“We are very lucky in our country, and especially here in Tarrant County, to have the dedicated police officers who protect us and try every day to do the right thing to keep us safe,” Sharen Wilson, Tarrant County district attorney, said in an emailed statement. “It’s great that our corporate citizens are backing the hard work of our police, and we encourage the citizens of our community to join with Billy Bob’s and Back the Badge!”

The movement comes at a time when many have said they believe the police have drawn more scrutiny than ever in the wake of recent shootings, some that were captured on video.

FBI Director James Comey added to the conversation recently, suggesting that the restraint exhibited by some police officers was due to the recent criticism that they have received and was at least partly the blame for upticks in violent crime in certain areas.

Sgt. Steven Enright, a Fort Worth police spokesman, said the department is fortunate to have the support and caring of this community.

“This event honors not only our department but all first responders,” Enright said in an emailed statement. “We are humbled by the daily show of support and affection by the citizens of Fort Worth to our officers.”

Art Clayton, Tarrant County assistant district attorney, said people in law enforcement risk their lives to make our streets safer and dedicate themselves to communities across the country every day.

“Anytime we can give them a pat on the back, it’s well deserved,” Clayton said.

This story was originally published October 31, 2015 at 3:20 PM with the headline "Fort Worth’s Billy Bob’s joins efforts to support police."