SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The South Hutchinson Police Department took time during Monday’s City Council meeting to recognize a local restaurant for its generosity during the officer-involved shooting in Rice County in April.

The two separate shootings wounded Rice County Sheriff Bryant Evans and Undersheriff Chad Murphy and resulted in a long standoff with the suspect near Sterling. That’s when Gambino’s stepped in, according to South Hutchinson Police Chief Dean Harcrow. “I contacted Gambino’s and told them the situation,” Harcrow said. “They did not hesitate whatsoever. They got in their car and went to Sterling, Kansas, and it was probably about 8:30 or 9 in the evening. They fixed 50 pizzas for the officers.”

Because of their service to the law enforcement officers on site, Harcrow presented the restaurant with a plaque that read: “With our greatest appreciation presented to Gambino’s Pizza for providing a meaningful service to the law enforcement officers responding to an emergency in Rice County in their time of need. The generosity and care that you showed was truly remarkable. Always remember that you made a difference.”

Not only did Gambino’s provide the pizzas for the officers, they did it free of charge.