For two years, Officer Shantell Howard did Thanksgiving a little bit differently than many of us.  Officer Howard purchased and prepared food and then spent Thanksgiving Day serving a full holiday meal to 60 residents of a transitional housing program in New Orleans.  These residents are in the process of transitioning out of homelessness and others are low-income tenants of the program.  For them, there may be no family to celebrate or no means to provide a Thanksgiving feast. Officer Howard recruited some of her fellow officers to join her in uniform to help bridge the growing gap between communities and law enforcement.  Residents were very complimentary and appreciated seeing law enforcement engaged in the community in such a unique way.  Officer Howard’s generosity, selflessness, and personal sacrifice also extended to the Baton Rouge area at Christmas when she prepared a meal for 30 women and children living in a shelter as well as 40 senior citizens.  Officer Howard has demonstrated concern for others, compassion for those in need, a selfless willingness to help, and generosity of spirit.  Beyond the Badge is honored to recognize Officer Shantell Howard as the very first recipient of the Heart of Law Enforcement Service Before Self Award.