SALISBURY — The annual luncheon of the Salisbury Police Foundation was held Wednesday with the theme of Back the Blue this year.

The foundation raises funds to provide support for the members of Salisbury Police Department’s mental health and well-being. 

This year’s keynote speaker was retired WBTV reporter and hometown fellow David Whisenant. 

He was introduced by Master of Ceremonies retired Rowan County Sheriff Kevin Auten. The two are former classmates and lifelong friends.

Addressing a full house at the Country Club of Salisbury, Whisenant explained that though he was a general assignment reporter, he always began his days at the Salisbury Police Department, going over incidents and arrests of the day before. In addition to the who, what, when, where and why he was asking, he got to know the men and women behind the uniforms and what they do, day in and day out.

“I don’t think those who wear the badge get to take it off at the end of the day,” he said.

Mental health is personal to Whisenant, who lost his own father to suicide, but didn’t talk about it publicly for 20 years.

He was emphatic in his insistence that “it’s OK to not be OK,” but he said it needs to go one step further. People need to know it is OK to ask for help.

“I know what I have seen from my side of the yellow tape and it doesn’t compare with what they see on their side,” he said.

Following the deaths of two local firefighters, combined with all his other “yellow tape moments,” Whisenant sought counseling, and said it was one of the best things he’s ever done.

Police spend their careers taking care of others but should “also take care of yourselves,” said Whisenant

Jolene Philpott, board member and one of the chief sponsors, said “our department needs us, and I don’t just mean sworn officers. I mean everyone who works in the department. They all need to feel our love.” She said she had her own moment of calling 911 and “I am so glad someone was there to answer.”

John Struzick, board president, closed the event by calling for a moment of silence for those officers lost this year, including a Mecklenburg officer and three U.S. marshals shot and killed recently in Charlotte.

He thanked Salisbury Police Chief Patrick Smith and Major Justin Crews for helping board members set up for the luncheon. Smith expressed his own gratitude for the organization.

Attendees were presented with blue candles in honor of the Blue Light Project and information on how to make donations.