Escanaba Public Safety Officers load up their cruisers with turkeys outside of Elmer’s County Market. 20 unsuspecting motorists were pulled over Thursday, but instead of a ticket, they were issued a turkey. (Escanaba Daily Press photo)

ESCANABA — 20 local, random residents were pulled over Thursday for traffic violations, but they were given a turkey instead of a ticket.

Elmer’s County Market partnered with Escanaba Public Safety and Great Lakes Wealth Advisors on Thursday to give turkeys to unsuspecting motorists.

Elmer’s and Great Lakes each donated 10 turkeys.

“This is Elmer’s eighth year partnering with Escanaba Public Safety,” said Elmer’s County Market Marketing Coordinator, Jalyn Dagenais-Gendron.

The inspiration comes from a food show that Dagenais-Gendron attended and wanted to implement in Escanaba.

“We’ve had a good reception every year, so we decided to keep doing it and we want to partner with our neighbors at Escanaba Public Safety and just show people that you can have a positive interaction with law enforcement,” she explained.

Escanaba Public Safety Captain Darren Smith said officers use discretion when pulling someone over to determine if a turkey should be issued instead of a warning or a ticket.

He added that the department appreciates the donations as it helps officials connect with the general public.

“With their donations, we’re able to bring that back to the community. It also helps us bridge (and) give back to the community,” Smith said.

While initially nervous, Smith said motorists who are pulled over seem to really enjoy the program. Officers also enjoy it because they get to brighten someone’s day.

“Throughout the years, it really seems like people love it. You know, people don’t enjoy being pulled over by the police, (but) when they encounter an officer and have that interaction, and realize they’re going to be giving a turkey; you get a lot of people who are very emotional, very thankful,” Smith explained.

The 20 turkeys were split up, with day-shift officers issuing the first 10 and night-shift officers issuing the remaining 10.

This allows motorists to be issued a turkey in the morning or evening and allows several officers to get involved in the program.

Smith wanted to remind the public not to intentionally commit any infractions because they could still result in a ticket.

“Don’t go out there looking to (commit) any offenses,” Smith said.

He joked that just because you get pulled over doesn’t mean you’re getting a turkey.