My Brother, My Hero

I have enjoyed for over sixteen years being able to say that my brother was the Chief of Police in Wake Forest, North Carolina. So, let me say it now...my brother is the Chief of Police in Wake Forest, North Carolina. I can keep saying that for about thirteen more hours as of this writing as he has retired effective at mid-night tonight, December 31st, 2009.

Tuesday night I attended his retirement dinner given by the town of Wake Forest. The venue was nice, the food was good (heavy hors d'oeuvres) and the crowd was impressive. A very, very cold night in the middle of a busy Holiday season could have meant a scarce crowd but the place (actually a large heated ... almost ... tent attached to a beautiful old home which is rented for social events) was packed.

One after one, officers, town management, state officials, town employees, organizational leaders and two family members (my oldest sister and I) shared stories and appreciation and many many plagues and gifts and items of recognition.

When Greg went to Wake Forest, they were a town of just over 6,000 people and 14 employees in the police department. Today the town is over 27,000 people and the police department has 64 employees which includes 54 officers. They have their own training department and the police department has been called one of the best in the state with highly trained personnel and state of the art equipment. The crime rate in Wake Forest is amoung the lowest in the state in spite of the rapid growth and close proximity to Raleigh.

Greg is a graduate of the F.B.I. Academy and has sent several of his officers through the academy as well. He was the first to receive the first police science degree offered at Elizabeth City State University where he was an Honor graduate.

He has served as preisdent of N.C. Police Chief's Association and the state board of Special Olympics and the State D.A.R.E. program.

Greg served on the Roanoke Rapids Police department for several years was Chief of Police in Weldon, NC prior to going to Wake Forest.

I said Tuesday night and I repeat here, Chief Greg Harrington is my hero! I am very proud of him. We came from very humble beginnings and Greg has truly been an example of success and all along doing it with strong Christian values.

I was greatly moved Tuesday night by the constant mention by his peers of his strong Christian convictions and lifestyle. That's not something you hear a lot about at that level and that blesses me deeply.

I love my family and am very proud of my brother and very grateful for all the influence he has had on me and my family.

Congratulations "Chief"!!