For a job that can be thankless, local law enforcement was given a big thank you for their work Wednesday.

Kentucky Fried Chicken, located on Highland Avenue, gave away free meals to law enforcement officers.

“I wanted to make sure that every law enforcement officer in Dallas County knew that they are welcome here and will always be welcome here,” said owner Mark Woodson.

Officers had the freedom to choose whatever meal they wanted from the menu and the flexibility of coming in anytime during the store’s regular hours.

“Because of the events that have been going on lately, it’s just a nice way to show that the community supports us,” said John Treherne, Dallas County Sheriff’s Department investigator.

Selma Police Chief John Brock said feeding officers is a good way to let them know they are appreciated.

“All the officers need to be appreciated,” Brock said. “That’s all the officers want to know, is that there’s somebody out there that appreciates them.”

Brock said Woodson, like other locally owned restaurants and chains, has been faithful in his support over the years.

He said Woodson has provided meals to officers during big events and busy times, such as the annual Bridge Crossing Jubilee.

KFC was also one of several restaurants and other groups who provided meals and cool water to officers during a search and recover mission earlier this month in the Alabama River.

“He always supports us, whatever we need,” Brock said. “We really do appreciate it.”

Woodson said providing the meals was the least he could do for the men and women who are constantly working to keep the city and its citizens safe.

“When I was a child, my parents told me that if I was in trouble or lost I could always find a police officer and they would help me. I was a bad kid and sometimes I needed that assistance. They have always given me that assistance and they will always do that,” Woodson said. “That’s a big deal for me, to let them know that we appreciate them.”