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Two Austin police officers traveled to Port O’Connor Tuesday, July 20, to honor and recognize a local restaurant.
Josie’s Mexican Food received an American flag hoisted at Austin Police Headquarters to serve food to 15 Austin Police Department officers during their health and wellness fishing vacation.
APD Sgt. Tim Kresta and senior chaplain Rick Randall represented the station and presented the restaurant with the flag and certificate of approval from the police chief.
Josie’s owner, Eloisa Newsome, had her mother, the original owner, Josie Covarrubias, husband Joe Newsome and niece Payton Elliott receive the flag and certificate on her behalf.
Covarrubias said it was great for the restaurant to be recognized by APD.
“My daughter had prepared food for them and they were down here with their small group. I think it was about 15, so twice in two years. They only come to show their appreciation, ”said Covarrubias.
John Collins, who coordinates the wellness event, said it was a retreat for the Austin officers who need a break from their “daily work”.
“We do these fishing retreats for them and they come down. We’ll give them nice accommodations and arrange everything when they come down, ”said Collins.
Collins added that Josie’s has done “really well” in the past at providing food for the officers.
Newsome’s breath caught at the announcement of this special recognition.
“As my friend John [Collins] sent me an email telling me what they were going to do, i was kind of blown away. I mean, it really hit the heart. We’ve been here for over 38 years, ”said Newsome.
“To me, having just a little bit of appreciation for something wasn’t really a big deal, but it meant a lot to them and was pretty amazing,” added Newsome.
Newsome’s husband Joe was thrilled that the restaurant was honored by APD.
“I find it a very great honor. I have tremendous respect for all of our local law enforcement agencies, “he said,” but the flag of the state capital of Texas with a lot of respect for the police. It is a great honor that they show us respect and appreciation, ”he said.
Newsome wanted to thank APD and Collins for the special recognition.
“It really meant a lot to us that they were going down here. That was pretty moving, ”she said.
Newsome was out of town when the presentation was made but was grateful for another restaurant owner, Kacie Stalak, who was preparing food for the special occasion that afternoon.
“She came and prepared food for something that was special to us, and it was just very touching to have another restaurant owner do it for you,” Newsome said.
Sheriff Bobbie Vickery and Chief Deputy Johnny Krause represented Calhoun County at the event.
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