Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, police officers and public safety officers at the University of Texas Police at Houston (UT Police) took their place on the frontlines as the rest of the country abided by the government’s order for residents to stay home.

As first responders, the officers’ jobs are done without the expectation of praise. But in April, praise came twice through the thoughtfulness of a local restaurant and a nonprofit organization.

In early April, about 90 meals were delivered to UT Police by bellagreen American Bistro in Houston. UT Police was one of several agencies to benefit from a larger donation of meals by the restaurant over the last four weeks to local health care professionals and first responders.

“We are so thankful for the heroic actions of the UT Police department and we wanted to do something small to show our appreciation,” said Kristina Greenwood, Operations Services Manager at bellagreen.

In late April, UT Police staff members were thanked once again with a visit from Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm Bureau’s Citizens’ Alumni Academy Houston (ATFCAAH). As part of their Feeding First Responders Project, volunteers from the group surprised UT Police staff by personally distributing the meals to the department’s evening shift.

ATFCAAH board secretary Stacy LeBlanc, who coordinated the visit to UT Police, said the project was made possible through a fundraising campaign that raised more than $2500. LeBlanc is also the research department administrator for MD Anderson’s Veterinary Medicine & Surgery.

“We reached out to area police and fire departments in addition to the medical community,” said LeBlanc. “UT Police fit that bill perfectly as they are both law enforcement and health care.”

The UT Police team was thankful to receive the hot meals.

“We are grateful for the thoughtfulness of our community,” said UT Police Chief William Adcox. “These gestures are a testament to their concern and dedication to our profession, and it shows us the value placed on the work of our department.”