WATERVILLE — Police, municipal officials and emergency workers will be recognized Saturday during a march from Thomas College on West River Road to the police department on Colby Street.

The event, organized by Thomas College student Blake Winslow and Waterville resident Julian Payne, is intended to celebrate the college, which offers courses in criminal justice, forensics, criminal law and political science, as well as police, veterans, firefighters, municipal employees, nurses, doctors, secretaries and others, according to a news release. Winslow majors in political science at the college, and Payne was elected to the Waterville Board of Education in November and will join the board in January.

Marchers, including Waterville Mayor Nick Isgro, will leave Thomas College at noon and proceed to Head of Falls off Front Street and then to the police station on Colby Street. The three-mile walk from Thomas to Head of Falls is expected to take one hour and the trek to the police station from there takes about 10 minutes.

Police Chief Joseph Massey will receive marchers at the police station, according to the news release.

“Chief Massey and his staff provide an outstanding service to the community,” the news release says. “They put their life on the line and still maintain the highest standards and integrity.”

Donations will be collected from walkers and bystanders so the chief can buy lunch for the police force, according to the release.

Nationally, the nonprofit group C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) is promoting a National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Jan. 9, 2018, “in light of recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally.” Payne and Winslow say they chose Dec. 9 because the weather likely will be better locally than a month later.

Those wanting more information may contact Winslow at 554-9096 or blakewinslow7@gmail.com or Payne at 872-2885 or japmrp@gmail.com.

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