There is always a time to give back to those who give to Suffolk every day. What better way is there to do it than while eating good food?

On Jan. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Citizen’s Academy Alumni of Suffolk will host a fish fry to raise money for Suffolk’s emergency services workers.

“Proceeds will go towards the annual picnic for the service members and to the police department to help them purchase things not in their budget,” said Donna Perry, the only current member of CAAS, which was instituted as an organization of graduates of the city’s former Citizens’ Police Academy. “Part of our mission is to help make their job a little easier.”

In the past, the money that Perry’s organization raised has gone, for example, to purchase a “glass master” for rescue vehicles.

“It’s a $200 tool that can be used to knock out a window with just one hit, and it doesn’t cause glass to fly everywhere,” Perry said. “Something really small can make a big difference.”

Perry has been involved in raising money to help meet the needs of local emergency services agencies for years.

“They have always had someone there – ready and willing to help,” she said during a Public Safety Officer Appreciation Day picnic held by the academy alumni group in 2003..

“It is, indeed, fitting that we take time to recognize their invaluable contribution to our daily lives, and I want to personally thank Suffolk Police Department, Suffolk Fire Department, Suffolk Sheriffs Office, Nansemond-Suffolk Rescue Squad and Tidewater Regional Jail who do so much to ensure that Suffolk is a safe place to live.”

Captain Bob’s of North Carolina will cater the event later this month. Dinner plates will include two pieces of trout, coleslaw, green beans and hushpuppies. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $8.

“Their hushpuppies are to die for. I could fill up on those,” Perry said.

Tickets can be purchased at the visitor center or through Donna Perry at 679-3993.