Pray for our community

When I first heard the shocking news of the actions of a now-former trusted member of our community had allegedly done, I was confused. I was angry. I was upset.

I couldn’t understand how someone, who was supposed to be a beacon of trust for our community and our citizens, both young and old, could commit such acts.

He was supposed to be an individual in whom we placed our trust. He wound up tearing that apart. He wound up preying on the innocent. He wound up violating the vulnerable. He wound up violating the oath that he swore to uphold and protect.

I would like to say that the actions of one are NOT an indictment of others.

I want to thank Chief Whiteley and Deputy Chief McClain for their leadership on this issue and for their leadership of the Poplar Bluff Police Department. I would like to thank the officers of the Poplar Bluff Police Department, the Butler County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their service to our community, their dedication to our citizens and their steadfast respect and dedication for the oath that they swore to uphold and protect.

I feel so much sorrow for those who were wronged, for those who were violated.

I have always had the utmost respect for our law enforcement officers and I will continue to have the utmost respect.

Lastly, I ask that everyone pray for the victims. Pray for our law enforcement officers. Pray for our community. Thank you.