May 13, 2010

I got up yesterday morning and put my uniform on.  What uniform you may ask.

I am privileged to be a Chaplain for the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department.  Yesterday was the “Fallen Officers Memorial” service held at noon in front of the Court House.  I had arranged for Mike Remmel, the CHP Officer that was severely injured when he was hit by a car while investigating an accident four year ago, to speak.

Mike is an amazing man.  I had visited him in Doctor’s Medical Center after the accident.  He was heavily sedated as both legs were severely damaged and, ultimately, portions of both legs had to be amputated.  When I visited him, he was very positive about returning to law enforcement.  I personally thought he didn’t realize the seriousness of his injuries.

I have never seen a man work as hard as Mike did to recover mobility, and do so to the degree that he could pass the CHP fitness test and continue as an officer.  I have huge respect and admiration for Mike and his wife Roberta, who, with God’s help, has turned impossibility into a miracle.

He shared his journey with uniformed officers from the Sheriff’s Office, Sonora City Police, California Department of Corrections, and the National Forest Service.  He let these “jewels of law enforcement” know that what they do is worth it, no matter what!

I thought of my life, and the riskiest thing I’ve done is stand up in front of a loving church and run the risk of a sermon less than mediocre.  Pray for law enforcement.  Pray for me as I get to minister to these brave men and women.

Blessings,

Pastor Rick