By Lania Coleman, The Saginaw News
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Saginaw Police Reserve Officer Brooke Girardin, center, has her shield blessed by Chaplain Richard Popard, right, at the Anchor of Hope Church of God during Blessing of the Badges. Officer Joaquin Guerrero, left, helped with the blessings. |
Police respond to all kinds of emergencies, from burglars to birds in the house, says Bishop R.C. Popard, a chaplain for both the Saginaw and Saginaw Township police departments. In every case, he said, officers need their faith.
About 50 police officers, reserve officers, sheriff’s deputies and state troopers participated in the first ever Blessing of the Badges on Sunday at the Anchor of Hope Church of God, 3401 Hemmeter in Saginaw Township. Popard, also a retired Saginaw County sheriff’s deputy, delivered the blessings after a brief but stirring service.
“There were many denominations represented here today, and they were all here for a common purpose: prayer and honor to God,” Popard said.”They know we need prayer and God’s hand of safety to do this job. I couldn’t have been more proud. This was an awesome experience.” Many tears escaped the eyes of officers and civilians while the somber tones of “Taps” sounded in the background. The haunting melody of “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes and the formidable echo of the 21-gun salute evoked more emotion. The officers, their family members and church members gave a standing ovation to retired Saginaw Police Lt. Don Sprague, who wept while he urged the officers to read their Bibles and strengthen their bonds with God.
Special recognition went to the families of Detroit Police Officer Jennifer T. Fettig, a Bridgeport Township native, and Clare County Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin M. Sherwood. Fettig, 26, and Sherwood, 37, died in the line of duty. Sherwood died Oct. 9, 2003 in a head-on collision with a wrong-way driver on U.S. 127. The nine-year veteran who wore badge 1046 left a wife, Kathleen, and three daughters, Meagan, Gabrielle and Gwendolyn. Fettig and her partner, 21-year-old Officer Matthew Bowens, died Feb. 16, 2004, when a motorist opened fire during an early morning traffic stop. Fettig joined the Detroit force in October 2001 and wore badge 128. She was engaged to another Detroit officer.
Before blessing each badge individually, Popard quoted Matthew 5:9, stating, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” Officers also received Bibles published specifically for their line of work. Precinct 131’s Project: Guardian Angel supplied them.
Precinct 131 is a nonprofit organization that involves police dogs in public awareness efforts plus search and rescue. Precinct 131 also operates a K-9 training facility in Hemlock. Project: Guardian Angel provides personalized Bibles to police, firefighters and military personnel.
(Source: The Saginaw News)