Lexington's Finest--True Heroes

        Every day I drive past the home of David Parde, one of the nicest guys I know.   David is always positive, always grateful, and simply loves life.  In my book, David is a hero, but he insists he is not.

Every Thursday morning I sit beside Jimmy Truell at a Men’s Bible Study at the YMCA.  Jimmy retired after a long and distinguished career at the Lexington Police Department and is now following God’s call as a pastor.  He balances his time between theology classes at Duke Divinity School and serving the Dulin United Methodist Church in Davie County.   I also consider Jimmy to be a hero.  He does not. 

As a young officer in 1984, Jimmy was answering a domestic disturbance call when he was shot in the head.  Through God’s grace he recovered.  Six years later David was answering a suspicious person call at an apartment complex when he was shot in the back. The bullet left David permanently paralyzed as it tore through his left lung and caused irreparable damage to his spinal column. 

        The brave men and women who faithfully serve our communities as police officers constantly face the same danger.  Already this year, eight on-duty police officers have been killed by gunfire—five of these taking place the second week of this month.  Forty-two officers were killed in 2015.  Every time an officer knocks on a door, stops a car for a traffic violation, or responds to a call for help, they never know what danger is lurking in the shadows.  They place their lives on the line each and every day to keep our communities safe. 

        But there is a troubling wave of discontent in our nation.  A recent Gallop Poll revealed that U.S. confidence in our police force is the lowest it has been in 22 years.  Disturbing events in Ferguson, Missouri and North Charleston, South Carolina have scarred the image of law enforcement across the nation.  While our police officers often deal with the worst of humanity, they are expected to present a positive image regardless of the danger or abuse they are routinely subjected to endure.  The public is quick to jump on a police officer who fails, but seldom affirms the overwhelming majority who faithfully fulfill their mission with integrity and kindness.  But Lexington, North Carolina is not following this national trend!

        We are blessed to have one of the finest police departments that you will find anywhere!  Police Chief Mark Sink and his department excel in building positive community relations.  Their pro-active stance in preventing crime, developing a strong Community Watch program, and involvement in the community has resulted in Lexington being recognized as one the safest cities in the state.  But even more is the spirit of trust and respect that our citizens hold for our Police Department.  Chief Sink and his exceptional officers work hard to build this trust as they are engaged in the community in a variety of ways.  A few weeks ago patrons of Pastor’s Pantry were surprised to have our Police Chief and several of his officers loading their groceries.  In ways large and small they are serving our community. 

        All of these officers are heroes in my book as they face danger every day.  Consider our history:  In addition to Jimmy Truell and David Parde, Lexington Police officer Tommy Clodfelter was shot responding to a domestic call in 1970.  Frank Henderson was stabbed on an arrest on South Main Street in 1980.  Jay Enelnick was shot on a traffic stop in 1986.  But still, Jimmy said, “We don’t consider ourselves heroes.  Looking back, I feel we all just love people.”  And David said, “Please remember I am not a hero. I was just a 25 year old kid doing the job he loved, who got to do the job he always wanted to do, and then it ended.  Not all people can say that!”

        On Palm Sunday, March 20, the faith community will gather at the Old Courthouse on the Square as we celebrate our Lord riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, a symbol of humility and peace.  This year we are doing something special.  We are honoring our “peacemakers,” the dedicated officers of the Lexington Police Department.  These faithful officers are our friends.  Jimmy Truell put his service in perspective when he said “Lexington NC is our community and our friends whom we all protected.”  “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”  (John 15:13)

        The men from the YMCA Thursday Morning Bible Study and several area churches are raising the funds to purchase “Policeman’s Bibles” for the entire Lexington Police Force.  We are also inviting the entire force to join us for lunch on Palm Sunday at the YMCA.  The Bibles will have LPD embossed on the cover.