Singer Erica Nicole, third from left, meets, from left, DeKalb Police Lt. Michael Williams, Chief William O’Brien and Sgt. Stacey Rainey in preparation for the fourth annual Police Officers Ball.

There’s a saying about asking and receiving, however, sometimes one doesn’t even have to ask.

When singer/songwriter Erica Nicole was told about an event to honor law enforcement officers in DeKalb County, she jumped at the opportunity even before a formal request was made.

Nicole, who now calls Los Angeles home but grew up in DeKalb, was speaking to family friend Liane Levatan about the upcoming fourth annual Police Officers Ball. She said she has long been a supporter of the military and law enforcement and volunteered her time and talent to be part of the local event.

“I definitely believe in the system and support the DeKalb Police Alliance and our officers and what they do every day,” said Nicole.

Scheduled to be held on Oct. 30 at the Crowne Plaza Ravinia in Dunwoody, the ball will be a celebration of the dedication and sacrifice of public safety officers. At the ball, the winners of the 2010 Public Safety Champion Awards will also be announced. Some 23 officers and 12 individuals and organizations, have been nominated for their positive impact on public safety.

Nicole, who just released her self-titled debut CD Erica Nicole, is hopeful that a guitarist and keyboardist she performs with regularly will also be coming along. She said she plans to perform a special song from her new release—What Could I Do Different—which was written by U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch and which she plans to dedicate to fallen officers.

Interviewed by phone while on the road doing a radio tour and concerts, Nicole said she’s pleased with how her career is progressing. She’s been working with a voice coach and is managed by Michael Lloyd, who was the musical director of the movie Dirty Dancing.

She grew up singing in school plays and attended Woodward Academy. Her parents have been supportive of her musical career, however, they insisted that she go to college prior to getting into the music industry, she said. She attended Western Carolina University before taking off for Los Angeles.

According to her bio, Nicole is a fan of “Reba, Straight, Dolly, the Opry, Nashville, the Ryman, grits, honky tonks and songs about standing by your man…” She’s been showcasing and performing at venues such as SXSW in Austin and The Big D Opry at Gilley’s in Dallas, Texas, and finishing several music videos.

Next year Nicole is slated to travel to Iraq and Afghanistan to perform for the troops, a gig that she said she’s eager to do.