The Roanoke Rapids Police Department could not put a price tag on the outpouring from the community Wednesday and Thursday in the wake of the shooting of officer John Taylor, Chief Jeff Hinton said.

“It was businesses that stepped up with food, the use of four wheelers and ATVs, anything you could think of. It’s something you can’t put a value on it, just to have that support.”

Mellissa Hand poses with the 45 sandwiches made.

Mellissa Hand and Charlie Whitley of Texas Steakhouse helped out, preparing 45 chicken sandwiches, french fries and tea Thursday, which was brought to the police department.

The restaurant had served 22 officers earlier, officers from Franklin and Wilson counties, who came in groups of 11.

“It was basically to show our appreciation for keeping our families and children safe,” Hand said. “They were out there all night long and cold. It was just to say thank you and feed them.”

When Hand delivered the meals to the officers she said, “They were very thankful. They looked so tired but had a sense of relief.”

One of the slogans of the chain is, “We believe in people,” said Hand. “It was a bunch of teamwork to have 45 sandwiches made in less than 35 minutes.”

Hand later said, “It was so uplifting and inspiring to see a community come together and show so much love and support for John and his family. I wanted to help somehow. Being the kitchen manager at Texas Steakhouse, I decided that I would fix some lunch and feed the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.

“This was my small way of giving thanks to such a great group of men and women. My staff and I appreciate all the hard work that you all do to keep our families, schools, churches and businesses safe. We wish John Taylor a speedy recovery.”

Local business owner Phil Hux took his Rhino ATV to scene Thursday after receiving a call. The officers never had to use it because they spotted the suspects, Michael Eugene Edgerton, who put a gun to his head and killed himself, and Renee Michele Phillips, who was taken into custody and charged.

“These guys put their life on the line,” Hux said this morning. “If they need something, I try to help them.”

Many people, Hux said, wanted to help but didn’t know how. “You saw a lot of prayers for the officer and to help capturing them.”

Officers, Hux said, do more than enforce the law. “There are so many things they do in the community. They volunteer a lot of time with things like the coat drive.”

Hux witnessed the finale of the manhunt and was impressed. “They did an excellent job in containing these criminals, Roanoke Rapids, the Highway Patrol and the sheriff’s office. I’m so proud of what they did. It showed the good training of our local officers.”