SILVERHILL, Ala. — While some might think of a “chrome horse” as a motorcycle, Renee Beasley, co-owner of the Chrome Horse Pub on Highway 104 in Silverhill has another definition of a ”chrome” horse

“A ‘chrome’ horse is one with a wide white streak on the face and four high white stockings,” said Beasley.

Beasley should know. She shows and trains horses.

She even has a “chrome” horse of her own, appropriately named Chrome.

So, when she and her husband, Tim, decided to renovate an old supper club on Highway 104 in Silverhill, there was only one name possible for the establishment — the “Chrome Horse Pub.”

On Saturday, Jan 24, the Chrome Horse Pub will be the site of a fundraiser for the Silverhill Police Department. The event begins in the early afternoon.

“They bought a new car,” said Renee, “and they want to paint to two existing cars to match. They also want to buy additional safety equipment, including bulletproof vests.”

The fun will begin with an appearance by Greg Stuart, Renee says.

“He will provide music during the day,” said Renee.

At 8 p.m. the “Liquid Chrome Band,” the pub’s “house band,” consisting of Russ Campbell and Brad Bittinger, will take the stage.

Renee added that there will be an auction of “Harley stuff,” and prepared boxed food will be available for sale throughout the day. All proceeds from the food will go to the police department.

“The pub is donating the food,” said Renee.

While it’s a lot of work, both Beasleys are happy to to the fundraiser.

“We’re in their jurisdiction,” said Tim Beasley, “ and we are happy to help out with our support.”

The need for equipment is great.

“I’m told it will cost $2,300 to give a car a paint job,” said Renee.

And while there are a lot of needs, those vests are not far from Silverhill Chief of Police Kim Wasdin’s mind.

“Bullets don’t pick the town they go off in,” said Wasdin, when asked about the fundraiser.

Wasdin said six vests would be needed for the three full-time officers and three reserve officers on the force. The vests range in price from $400 to $1,000, Wasdin said. She added that if the fundraiser could provide $400 for basic vests, she could possibly find grant money to upgrade the vests.

“Our officers need to be protected,” said Wasdin.

Wasdin would also like to get a vest to protect the department’s police dog, “Crack.” The department’s bloodhounds, however, will not be wearing vests.

“They just get too hot,” said Wasdin.

The Beasleys have been living in Silverhill for 18 years. The Chrome Horse Pub opened in May of 2008.

“We had the opportunity to buy the property,” said Renee.

The building required extensive renovations. While the building looks fine now, the Beasleys encountered a few surprises during their work, including evidence of a previous fire.

“We had to gut the building,” said Renee.

Fortunately, Tim’s business of renovating homes came in handy.

Today, the pub features a quiet front room, a lively bar and a covered outdoor patio for smokers.

“We’re happy to do this,” said Tim. “It brings us closer to the community. This is a really friendly gathering place.”