Law Enforcement Appreciation at Sonny’s: Nominate a Hero for Free BBQ 

From The Smoker January 9, 2025
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Words can’t express how thankful we are for Law Enforcement Officers. They work hard to protect our local communities, and this Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we’d love for you to join us to recognize these heroes. 


Share a Story, Celebrate Law Enforcement Appreciation Day 

All Officers put their lives on the line every day, but some go that extra step. Whether it’s staying late to help someone at the station, or volunteering with kids in their neighborhood, it’s that effort that we want to recognize with our Random Acts of BBQ®.  

It’s our way of recognizing that special someone that goes beyond the call of duty. There are so many incredible and touching stories out there, and we can’t possibly find them all. That’s where you come in. It takes just a few minutes to nominate someone, and every submission we receive will help us celebrate that unsung hero. 

Honoring Heroes: Past Surprises from our Kindness Crew 

At Sonny’s, we have a group of individuals who make it their mission to spread kindness and goodwill in their communities. They’re giving and thoughtful spirits shine through in everything they do, and that’s why we call them our “Kindness Crew.”  

We also like to think of our Kindness Crew as experts in throwing Random Acts of BBQ®, and trust us, they have some inspiring and heartwarming stories to share. Here are just a few ways they’ve shown some Law Enforcement Appreciation. 

Claudia – Apopka Police Dept. 

In November 2024, Server Claudia and her Sonny’s team hosted a Random Act of BBQ for Jason Wiggins, for his retirement from the Apopka Police Department. 

We’ve partnered with Jason multiple times to put on incredible events. One of which was our Apopka Police & Fire BBQ Competition, which put officers and local firefighters head-to-head to see whose BBQ came out on top. Last year, the event also brought a heartwarming surprise you have to see. You may need a box of tissues handy. 

Because of Jason’s deep connection to his community and all those partnerships, the team wanted to sweeten his retirement just a bit with a Random Act of BBQ. They treated him and his loved ones to a meal on the house and surprised him with a gift basket full of Sonny’s goodies, including dog toys and Sweet BBQ Sauce. 

Tina – Nicholasville Police Dept. 

Manager Tina and her Sonny’s team in Nicholasville surprised Police Officer Stevens back in 2023 for always going the extra mile to get involved with his community.  

He often traveled to schools to share all the ways police protect their town and teach them that officers are their friends. 

Tina showed up with some free BBQ for Officer Stevens and his team, as well as a certificate thanking him for his efforts. 

Answering Your Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Questions: 

  • What are Random Acts of BBQ®? It’s our way of recognizing those who make a difference, special individuals who selflessly give their time, talents and effort to the community. We roll up with free BBQ for the winner and help celebrate that person and all they do. 
  • Does Sonny’s have a Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Offer? No, we do not have a systemwide offer for Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Please stay tuned for offers throughout the year where we celebrate Law Enforcement. We hope you’ll help us find heroes to celebrate with Random Acts of BBQ®. To get started, just click the nomination button above. However, some locations offer regular discounts for officers, deputies and more. We recommend giving your local Sonny’s a call to see if this is something they do. 
  • Where can I order Catering for Officers? All those numbers will be on our specific Catering page. You can call for pricing, or place your order so it’s ready for pickup, or get it delivered to your local station. 
  • I work for/run a local business and want to partner with Sonny’s for a Law Enforcement Event. Where do I go? Check out our Contact Form. If you fill that out and select your nearest Sonny’s, it will go right to the owners for consideration. If there’s interest, they’ll be in touch as soon as they can. We hope we can help make your event a success.

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