Shoney's restaurant appreciates local law enforcement

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - In light of the recent attacks on law enforcement officials across the country, Shoney's Restaurant on Highway 49 decided to appreciate those in uniform and offered them free lunch on Wednesday.

Shoney's Restaurant General Manager, Cedric Harden said, "We are trying to change that perception, by letting the guests and officers interact in here."

Harden said the officers deserve a free lunch, but the company wants to bridge the gap between officers and the community.

"We wanted to give back to the community, cops around here do a good job, we wanted to give, and let them eat for free" said Harden.

He added, "The owner really believes in giving back to the community."

Hattiesburg Police Department, Lieutenant Latosha Myers-Mitchell said the appreciation could not have come at a better time.

She said, "With a lot of negative press that the police is having, for them to reach out to us, and say 'thank you for the simple service' is an honor."

Authorities said they feel grateful that a restaurant would even think about them.

Lt. Chris Johnson with HPD said, "That is all we are looking for, that goes a long way for us in the arena of law enforcement."