The presentation of two plaques of appreciation to McKenzie police officer Ronnie Terry and Jamie Jones was the highlight of the McKenzie Town Council Meeting Monday night.

Greg Griffin, president of the McKenzie High Quarterback Club, said he personally sees both Terry and Jones as &#8220great assets to the school and to law enforcement in the community.”

&#8220Those are my personal comments…I wish I had been here at last month's meeting to express how I feel. But I am here tonight on behalf of the Quarterback Club to say thank you to these men.”

Griffin said his organization believes they should show their appreciation to those supportive of the McKenzie School. Terry and Jones have regularly accompanied the school's teams on trips to out-of-town games and provided escorts to students and fans as needed.

&#8220Those who support our school and its athletic teams need our praise, not our criticism,” Griffin said.

Terry, who accepted Jones' award in his absence, expressed his appreciation to the Quarterback Club for their continued support.

Mayor Betty Stinson also thanked Griffin, saying, &#8220I really appreciate the Quarterback Club for supporting our police department.”

Stinson also reminded those in attendance a 72-hour notice was required before a citizen could be recognized to come before the council during each monthly meeting.

In town business, council member Lester Odom Jr. made a motion for the council to look into the purchase of a pair of night vision goggles for use by town's police department.

&#8220You can observe things at night you wouldn't be able to see otherwise. These will illuminate an area where you don't have any streetlights. I think a pair of these would be of great use to our police,” Odom said. The motion was carried with a unanimous vote.

The council also unanimously voted to purchase a new rifle and case for the police department.

Terry displayed a number of pieces of drug paraphernalia, along with illegal drugs that had been confiscated inside the McKenzie town limits.

&#8220In case anyone thinks we are wasting our time, I want to show you what I'm taking away from some of our kids,” he said as he showed the council members homemade drug pipes and other devices created from ordinary household materials.

Stinson encouraged those present to be willing to be involved in the fight against drugs in the community.

Addressing the issue of some citizens fearing retaliation from undesirable elements in the community, Stinson said, &#8220People have got to be willing to get involved…I don't want anyone in my family to get hurt, but also know I have to take a stand.

&#8220For every drug dealer we get out of town, that's one less drug dealer we've got to worry about. Just remember, we don't want to become prisoners in our own homes.”

In community news, Stinson reminded all present of the upcoming McKenzie Volunteer Fire Department Southern Gospel Singing and Auction this Saturday night at 6 p.m. at the McKenzie School Auditorium.

&#8220You can bring cakes or anything you want to donate to be auctioned off to help out at this fundraiser. I thank Mr. and Mrs. Henry for all their work supporting our fire department, we need more people like them,” the mayor said.