The District Attorney and his wife, Angie, in order to show appreciation to local law enforcement, began by holding a breakfast event in the law library of the Calhoun County Court House. About 25 officers attended the event.  One of the attendees was Eli Henderson, the current Court Clerk for the county at the time. In conversation, Brian and Eli begin a discussion as to how to make it a larger event.  Eli then reached out to a long time friend and local business owner, Henry Mullinax and enlisted his help. The next year was a breakfast at the Anniston meeting center for the 4 days during National Law enforcement week and approximately 100 officers attended each of the day’s.

The next year it was decided that due to shift change, a breakfast venue was difficult for officers to attend. The lunch venue was established and door prizes were added to the mix for the week. Approximately 125 to 150 officers were in attendance each day.

Nothing changed for the third year but the 4th year it was decided to rotate the event between Anniston and Oxford each year and Henry Mullinax established 501c3 status for the gathering. The charitable organization was named Alabama Law Enforcement Appreciation Foundation, or ALEAF for the short version.  This is when the event began to take on life. More corporate donors were available because of the non-profit status and the event grew expediently. The attendees grew in numbers and the event was spread to all of the 7th Judicial District. Calhoun and Cleburne counties were included for a grand total of approximately 600 eligible officers, to include dispatchers and correction officers. Support personnel were welcome to share lunch but only those with their life at risk or had a life in their control were eligible for door prizes.

A board of 10 local business people was formed, bylaws created, and IRS reporting began at this time. The mission also grew to include benevolent work throughout the year for 7th Judicial law enforcement.  Overall the vision of the three original philanthropist has come to fruition.

The interagency environment is good and the community-law enforcement relations are also very good. It has become a very popular event with both the community and law enforcement in the last 11 years. Growth to other communities is the next goal and statewide involvement is the ultimate goal of the board.