KEMAH, Texas – When you give back, good things happen. That was the case for Travis Allen when he was having lunch at the Saltgrass Steakhouse in Kemah.
The Kemah Police Department shared a Facebook post thanking the then unidentified person who paid lunch for a few police officers on July 20.
"We were told you wanted to pay for our meal to show your support for law enforcement and we very much appreciate it," the post read.
To the young gentleman sitting in this booth at Salt Grass Today during lunch, Today a few of us officers went to Salt...
Posted by Kemah Police Department on Wednesday, July 20, 2016
After some detective work, police were able to identify Allen as a server at Saltgrass.
Kemah police were touched by the generosity, and after learning about Allen's future plans in school and the things he has endured, they decided to raise money to thank him.
They were able to raise $1,300, thanks to several people in the community. Landry's, the company that owns Saltgrass Steakhouse, matched that amount.
Kemah police and Landry's representatives went to Saltgrass Thursday to surprise Allen with a check for $2,600.
"It meant a lot to us for someone who doesn't know us. Who has never seen us or met us or someone who didn't even acknowledge us," Kemah police detective Alzonzo Soza said.
Allen said he wanted to show his appreciation for law enforcement, because he knows what they go through, especially during recent backlash.
"They put their lives on the line. They serve you in the community and all this hate and backlash is unfair," Allen said. I wasn't looking for recognition. It was to show them that people still care and that not everyone was against them.
Police say the hope the money will help Allen with his education and future.