 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Police Appreciation Cards
Watch This Video
| Windows Media |
  |
| QuickTime | |
| MPEG |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|||
|
Being a public servant, especially a police officer, can sometimes be a thankless job. But residents in one city have decided to show some appreciation to those who serve their community. Reed Galin reports. |
|||
 |
|||
 |
New Items | Additional Stories | Archives | ||
SCRIPT:
(Locator: Peoria, Illinois)
(Voice of person reading note) “I know nothing about the pressure you
must feel at certain times. I can’t imagine what facing danger must feel
like. But I know that the Lord is with you through it all, and I will be
with you and your family in daily prayer. Have a good month. Sincerely,
Cathie Wilton.”
Every month, for seven years…
(Person reading note) “Dear Gerald, I just wanted to thank you for
helping to keep our city safe.”
…the letters have come from Cathie Wilton and her police ministry team.
Captain Mike Scally, Peoria Police Department reads note: “…for all you
do.”
One hundred thirty-five members of the First United Methodist Church in
Peoria write to officers…
Noel Cline, Note Writer: “Dear Officer Larson...”
…and actively pray for individual officers.
(Reading note) “…and it seems that this work is more difficult all the
time.”
Officer Jerald McKeen, Peoria Police Department: “We appreciate it. I’m
a firm believer in the power of prayer.”
Cathie Wilton, Peoria Police Ministry Leader: “Our team members are very
loyal people and they have gotten to the point in the last seven years
where they consider these police officers part of their families. We’ve
had few people ever quit the team.”
Cathie’s team has also contributed to getting new police vests, and to
memorials for fallen officers.
Officer Brock Lavin, Peoria Police Department: “There’re people out here
that don’t care for police officers and this shows us that there are
people out there that care and want to help and hopefully we get to go
home to our families at night.”
More than once, officers say, a letter has arrived at just the right
moment.
(Person reads note) “Please know that you are never alone. Sincerely,
Cathie Wilton.”
TAG:
There are letter writers in their 70s and as young
as 18. And Cathie Wilton says the mail doesn’t only go one way. Some
officers have written back, thanking her team for making a difference.
For more details, you can contact Cathie Wilton through First United
Methodist Church of Peoria, 309-692-1942.
Also, see:
Church supports police with prayer card ministry