Turnout for picnic feting officials pleases sponsors

More than 300 people gathered at Pepin Park Sunday afternoon for a barbecue honoring men and women who put their lives on the line every day those who work in law enforcement.

Representatives of the Havre police and fire departments, U.S. Border Patrol, Montana National Guard and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway police were among those in attendance.

The event was sponsored by the Havre Ministerial Association, a group of about a dozen pastors from area churches.

"It went wonderful. I think everybody really enjoyed it and we had a good turnout," said Steve Flatau, senior minister at the Assembly of God church and the Ministerial Association's president.

Certificates of appreciation were distributed to each representative.

"We just gave them certificates and had people applaud them," Flatau said.

The impetus for the barbecue, he said, was the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 and the effects they had on law enforcement. The ministers thought the gathering was a good way for the church population in Havre to show its gratitude, Flatau said.

"I thought a lot of people coming out like they did really expressed that well and I think they received the message," Flatau said. "We'll probably look to do it again next year."