Local church thanks officers for service

Published 2:37 pm Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Pictured are, from left to right, Harry Driggers, pastor of Siloam Baptist Church; Ben Chandler, director of missions for the Alabama Crenshaw Baptist Association; Mickey Powell, Crenshaw County Sheriff; Srgt. John Powell; Srgt. Carlton Carmichael; Srgt. Dalton Frances; Matthew Johnson; Amphernee Canty; Lee Simmons; Mike Johnson, Crenshaw County Chief Deputy; and Gary Pete, Alabama State Trooper.

Pictured are, from left to right, Harry Driggers, pastor of Siloam Baptist Church; Ben Chandler, director of missions for the Alabama Crenshaw Baptist Association; Mickey Powell, Crenshaw County Sheriff; Srgt. John Powell; Srgt. Carlton Carmichael; Srgt. Dalton Frances; Matthew Johnson; Amphernee Canty; Lee Simmons; Mike Johnson, Crenshaw County Chief Deputy; and Gary Pete, Alabama State Trooper.

Over the recent months, law enforcement officials across the nation have been faced with adversity, but in the community of Crenshaw the support continues to roll in.

Recently, Siloam Baptist Church held a ceremony in which they took the time to recognize and honor the law enforcement of Crenshaw County.

“Policemen have been getting a bad rep, and I thought it would be a good idea to honor our law enforcement officers in Crenshaw County,” said Siloam pastor Harry Driggers.

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The title of the sermon was ‘You are Ministers of God,’ and the focal verses came from Romans 13:1-4.

Officers were presented a gift certificate to The Chicken Shack in Luverne, an appreciation certificate and a Bible.

Driggers has had multiple family members serve in law enforcement, and knows firsthand the importance of showing them support.

“It’s a good feeling to know that we have them behind us and have their support,” said Crenshaw County Sheriff Mickey Powell.

“When you go in in the afternoon and turn the TV on, there’s been another shooting and the rioting is going on. We’re fortunate to live where we do, and we have good law enforcement like Luverne PD, Brantley PD, us and the troopers. It’s a good group; we work together and it shows.”

In a recent report published by AL.com, Crenshaw County was rated the fourth safest county in Alabama, based on indicators such as rates for assault, robbery, murder, burglary, vehicle theft and larceny.

“That speaks for all law enforcement in Crenshaw County. Everybody’s working together and pulling their share, and it shows,” Powell said.

“This community has always been close-nit as far as law enforcement. Everybody’s always got along and worked together. It makes you feel good to see your county in the top five.”

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