Several law enforcement officers in Columbus County have gone above and beyond the call of duty in recent weeks, and residents in the area are passing along notes of gratitude to let departments know the good deeds the men and women in blue.
The driver of a Nissan Rouge took a wide turn and found herself in a ditch this past week. She was unable to get a hold of AARP Road Assistance, but she didn’t have to wait long for help to reach her.
Deputy Zehnder of the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene and assisted the woman and her husband in getting a tow truck to pull the vehicle out. The lady, identified just as Ms. Baerwald, emailed the CCSO to let them how kind and professional the officer treated her.
“I don’t know his name, but I am sure you can find out and he should know that his behavior and the kindness he showed us was so greatly appreciated and you should be so proud of him and yourself for his representation of your department,” said Baerwald.
Officer M. Phillips of the Chadbourn Police Department also recently came to the aid of a lady in need.
The motorist was having car trouble and broke down in Chadbourn while on her way back from Myrtle Beach. She called her husband who immediately came to pick her up, but the tow truck was not yet in route to get her car, and the gas station where she pulled her car off of the road was closing.
The couple were not comfortable leaving the door unlocked, so they called CPD for help. Phillips was dispatched to the scene, and offered to hold the vehicle’s keys for the tow truck driver who arrived hours later. The driver called the officer, who returned to gas station to give him the keys. A letter was sent to the Chadbourn department a few days later.
“She clearly did not have to provide that service for us. It was beyond her job description, BUT she did it anyway,” said the letter. The Chadbourn Police Department was also impressed with her performance and took to Facebook to thank her. “Interim Chief (Ken) Elliott really appreciates the kind of words in this letter.
“Thank you, Officer Phillips, for representing our department,” the post said.
Another member of the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office truly took the motto “Dedicated to Serve” to heart.
Det. James Lennon stopped to help the wife of a retired Atlanta police officer who had a flat tire. Teresa Cook called for roadside assistance and was looking at an estimated wait time of an hour and half. Lennon stopped to make sure she was ok and offered to change the tire for her.
The detective got the job done quickly and wouldn’t accept payment from the motorist. Cook sent an email to the CCSO thanking Lennon.
“All deputies/officers should be made like this young man. He is, truly, a deputy to be proud of. Thank you, Det. James Lennon!” wrote Cook.
“We love getting complements about our co-workers, Detective Lennon is an asset to our office. As our agency continues to grow in many ways, we see our co-workers caring and serving more than ever,” said Sheriff Jody Greene.
