The shooting of Roanoke Rapids police officer John Taylor touched a community. It also touched a company, KapStone Paper, which is going to help the injured officer and his family through its annual Thanksgiving and Christmas charity project.
“We thought the most appropriate thing is to help Officer Taylor,” said Kim Bracy, mill community relations manager.
With backing from United Steelworkers Local 90425 President Billy Smith, all agreed it was the right thing to do.
On December 2 and December 3, the company will do a gate greet to collect money from employees coming to work, the funds going to Taylor’s family. The company has also agreed to match dollar for dollar every employee donation given, Bracy said. “We have also asked for a wish list and will take care of Christmas shopping for his child.”
Bracy said the outreach to Taylor is part of the company’s involvement in vital causes for the community. “We have a great respect for law enforcement and healthcare organizations which serve critical needs in the community, people who give so much to protect us.”
Smith said the company was glad to help Taylor and his family. “This event happened so close to the time we do fundraisers and many times we take law enforcement for granted. These people put their lives on the line every day. You see it on CNN all the time. We know police, fire and public safety officers aren’t paid what they’re worth.”
The company wants to make sure the financial burden for the family is as a light as it can be, Smith said. “We’re blessed we work for a company where we can make a good living for our families. This is a great place to raise a family. We want to do what we can to make the impact on him as minimal as possible.”
Captain Andy Jackson said the police department is appreciative and overwhelmed by the support of the company and the community. “We see so many bad things so it’s great to see the good side of the community. People coming together like a big family really helps to ease a really tragic situation.”
Jackson said he believes Taylor and his family are appreciative. “Even in the aftermath, the love this community has shown, we can’t say enough thank you’s.”
