By Morgan Bryce
Associate Editor

Concerned Citizens Organized for Police Support will acknowledge the work of four local law enforcement officers through an “Honoring the Best” ceremony Oct. 25 at City Hall in downtown Opelika.
According to CCOPS President/Founder Jack Galassini, this will be his Montgomery-based nonprofit’s first major event held outside of Montgomery County.
“On a quarterly basis, we honor a police officer from the city, a deputy from the county and a state trooper who is assigned to that county or part of the state. We will be honoring an officer each from the Auburn and Opelika Police Departments, one from the (Lee County) Sheriff’s Office and a state trooper,” Galassini said.
This is part of an effort by Galassini and his team to launch similar programs in Alabama and across the country.
Founded in 2016, CCOPS is an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between members of law enforcement and the general public.
Through initiatives like “Blue Monday” and “Thumbs-Up Thursdays,” Galassini said he hopes to start positive, bonding dialogues between officers and citizens that build lasting, trusting relationships in communities for generations to come.
“Every time I was reading the newspaper or getting the television report about officers being shot in the line of duty, it was really kind of concerning. I thought, ‘well, something needs to be done because (the vast majority) of police officers are good people and want to do a good job,’” Galassini said. “We need to have and build better relationships between people and the police.”
With a staff of four people, Galassini said he is working toward making CCOPS a national organization. The organization’s message and platforms will soon be carried through larger mediums including billboards and public service announcements on the radio.
For more information about the program or to see a list of its coming events, like and follow its Facebook page or visit www.ccopsusa.org.