Barbecue will honor local law enforcement

A concert and barbecue honoring Havre's local law enforcement will be held this Sunday in Pepin Park.

The Havre Ministerial Association, made up of the pastors of about a dozen area churches, is sponsoring the Sunday in the Park gathering.

"It's a way to honor local law enforcement and the different department heads," said Steve Flatau, senior minister at the Assembly of God church and the Ministerial Association's president.

Flatau said that after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 and the effect they had on law enforcement, the ministers thought a gathering in their honor was a good way for the church population in Havre to reach out.

"We really felt that we should do something as a community, and as spiritual leaders in a community," he said. "That's what this day is all about."

All law enforcement officers have been invited, including U.S. Border Patrol, FBI, and Rocky Boy police. A Rocky Boy officer, six-year veteran Robert Taylor, drowned last month while trying to rescue two fishermen whose boat had overturned.

Flatau said the Ministerial Association knows that the people in the Rocky Boy department "feel the loss, and we want them to know that we care."

The gathering begins at 2:30 p.m. with a brass band playing in the park's gazebo. Flatau said Pastor Tim Burt of Immanuel Baptist Church organized the band for the occasion.

Flatau hopes to have police cars and fire engines arrive at the beginning of the picnic to attract attention to the festivities.

Certificates of appreciation will be given to law enforcement representatives at 3 p.m., and a picnic will follow. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and various side dishes will be served, and while people wait in line entertainment will be provided by musical groups.

There is no charge to watch or to eat, and people are welcome to come and go as they please.