The Rotary Club of Valdosta will host the 10th Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center.  The event begins with a reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m., followed by recognition of Officers of the Year representing Valdosta Police Department, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, and Georgia State Patrol.

This year’s guest speaker is Elmo “Mo” Thrash, who serves as a governmental affairs consultant for corporations, state associations, and individual companies throughout Georgia.

Thrash started in the real estate business in 1972 and volunteered as a lobbyist for the Georgia Realtors in 1973. He was named Georgia Realtor of the Year in 1978 and has held various positions of leadership with the Georgia Realtors Association.

Thrash has lobbied on behalf of the Georgia Chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police for 35 years and today remains a leading force in lobbying on behalf of law enforcement.

In 2014, the Georgia State Fraternal Order of Police recognized Thrash for his work and made him an Honorary Member of the Order with a Lifetime Status.

Thrash is now in his 46th legislative session serving as an independent contract lobbyist. He has more than four decades of experience working with state departments and agencies, negotiating and working with members of the Georgia General Assembly and dealing with key staff members within the offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

LEAD has become the Rotary Club of Valdosta’s signature community service program and is designed to honor men and women working with local law enforcement agencies. Proceeds generated from the event are placed in the Rotary Law Enforcement Fund, which provides assistance and recognition for officers who serve the citizens of Valdosta and Lowndes County. In the past nine years, the fund has repeatedly assisted officers and their families in time of natural disaster, medical emergency, and urgent needs. If a law enforcement officer should ever be killed in the line of duty, this fund will be available to support the family in a substantial way.

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.leaddinner.com or email [email protected]