“Act as if what you do makes a difference ... It does” said William James
Retiring Butler County Reserve Deputy Tom Burns exemplifies that statement. He was honored Sunday during a celebration at Westwood Baptist Church.
Burns is vice president of Sterling Bank but for 25 years has also served as a deputy.
Burns received two awards during the event, which was a surprise. To ensure Burn’s attendance, he told his Sunday School class was having a party to celebrate his retirement, which happened July 1.
The Missouri House of Representatives recognized Burns for meritorious accomplishments as an outstanding Missouri public servant who has placed himself in harm’s way numerous times to ensure public safety. The recognition was presented by Rep. Hardy Billington (R-Poplar Bluff).
Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Corey Tucker nominated Burns for the award, which has only been given to 100 people in the state of Missouri.
Burns was also recognized as an Honorary Trooper by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
More than a few tears were shed when Lt. Michele Coons presented Burns with the award. She explained there were times when officers would have been without backup, if not for Burns.
His time volunteering has not been without incident, according to speakers.
Burns suffered a broken wrist during one such encounter. He also was on hand when an Amtrak train and an SUV collided. Burns’ work prevented evidence from being compromised, according to the presenters.
Sheriff Mark Dobbs said without Burns, many of his men would have never had a holiday off. Early on, he offered to pay Burns, who would not allow that.
He quipped that he hoped Burns would not change his mind because the department could not afford him now.
“Tom has been so much more than just a deputy sheriff,” Dobbs said. “He has been a good friend.”
Dobbs was also thankful Burns did not make many mistakes, saying “How do you reprimand a person you do not pay? You do not get to come back and volunteer tomorrow.”
Pastor Steve Proctor’s message during the event was to “Fund the Law Enforcement.” Proctor referenced Romans 13:1-3, saying this is where the authority of the police originated. The Bible sets up three entities, Proctor said, including home, government and church.
When people choose to defy law enforcement, they are defying God, he said.
Burns will now have weekends off to spend with his family.
Burns said he focused on the fact he got to help people, and it did not take long to get into that mindset. He has only retired from his volunteer work, but will still be at his regular job as vice president of Sterling Bank.
Burns said, “I didn’t do anything that the other guys wouldn’t do.”