Cup of Blue Returns for Another Year of Remembrance

BYRON, Ga. – North Peach Park was awash with Blue Saturday evening as the fourth annual Cup of Blue took place. The Cup of Blue is an event honoring law enforcement and remembering officers who have passed whether in the line of duty or not.

Law enforcement officers were given a free meal ticket to use at one of the many food trucks at the park and were able to take the time and have a meal with their families. Officers were also given goodie bags at the registration table.

Toward the start of the evening, those who had lost a loved one who was in law enforcement were able to come to the stage and say their name, rank, and time of passing. After everyone had a chance to remember their loved ones, they released blue balloons.

The evening consisted of live music by His Way Ministries from Church in the Orchard, giveaways, and multiple speakers. The giveaways were primarily for law enforcement officers or their spouses with there being one exception for a pistol raffle which could be won by anyone in attendance. The rest of the giveaways featured gift baskets and a variety of guns ranging from pistols, shotguns, and rifles.

The speakers included Dan Rebman, one of those responsible for the Cup of Blue, recounting the story that started the Cup of Blue and the loss of his son South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) State Trooper Keith Rebman in October 2017. 

When Officer Rebman was helping with evacuation efforts in Charleston, South Carolina during Hurricane Matthew, a woman stopped her vehicle and brought him a cup of coffee. That small act of kindness stayed with him and he recounted the story many times. 

That story is what prompted Tess Rebman, Keith’s mother, to start bringing officers small gifts after her son’s passing. Dan recounted that Tess would visit local police stations to provide gifts and she later started inviting them to the Rebman’s home for an Eat-and-Skeet. This dedication later culminated in her wanting to have a picnic for officers in the park.

Colonel Chris Williamson of the South Carolina Highway Patrol reflected on his time with Officer Rebman and the losses that the SCHP is still remembering and honoring. Next, Sheriff Terry Deese of the Peach County Sheriff’s Office stepped forward to say a few words of praise to the Rebman family. It was also announced that Sheriff Deese will be retiring this year with Dan and Tess presenting Deese a rocking chair as a parting gift. 

SCHP Sergeant Josh Cannon took the stage to discuss grief and PTSD that officers face. He recounted the story of a dark time in his life and how he got through it. He continued, discussing his younger brother who went through a similar time and committed suicide in June 2019. He emphasized the importance of checking in with one another and providing peer support.

“The appreciation we received from the Law Enforcement families made it all worthwhile. We’re ready to roll our sleeves up and do it again. We love seeing our Blue family rest, refresh and enjoy being together,” Tess Rebman said. “It’s our heart for them.”  

Dan and Tess took a moment to recognize the board members of Cup of Blue, Chris and Tammie Litsas, Captain John and Dianne Edwards, and Retired Warner Robins Police Department Lance and Charlotte Watson.

The Cup of Blue is a Non-profit 501c(3) and can be found on their website or their Facebook. They can be reached by email at CupOfBlue21@gmail.com.