I met Scotty over 7 years ago. I was a more worldly and arrogant man at the time, but I was starting to mature a little, and I instantly felt comfortable as I spoke to our new chaplain, even though I was not a "church-attending Christian" kind of guy. He always made a point of checking in with me, and I enjoyed talking to him when he was around. Then, just over 6 years ago, I made a horrible discovery; my wife of nearly 14 years, the mother of our two daughters, had been having an affair for nearly 2 years with a Lt. Colonel in the Army. To say I was devastated would be a gross understatement. Scotty was there for me regularly with words of encouragement, or just to talk. I decided to try and save our marriage. We went to counselors, but nothing was really working. In desperation, and with a growing sense of the need for God to be in my life and my marriage, I turned to Scotty for help, and he agreed to meet with us and give us counsel.
Sadly, the heart of my wife could not be softened, and she could not be swayed from leaving me and marrying the man with whom she had the affair. I was broken and empty from the battle to keep my family together...but Scotty was always there to lift my spirits. I was a detective at the time, so I had the luxury of a quiet and private place to talk with Scotty (my cubicle). He guided me through the grief and pain as my home was sold and my now ex-wife moved first to her parents' home in Lagrange, then on to a new home in Virginia, and finally Texas, near San Antonio. Scotty was able to just listen as I discovered, in quick succession over a period of 6 months, that Melissa (my ex) was engaged, then married in secret, and finally pregnant. Scotty was even there when I ended up having to meet the man whom I felt had destroyed my life....on Christmas Day. Thanks in no small part to Scotty, I was able to shake the hand of this man, look him in the eye, and simply say "it's good to meet you".
Later, as I began to seek God with greater fervor, Scotty and I had many encouraging conversations, and I was privileged to hear a couple of his sermons as I started to visit churches in the area, looking for a home.
One lunch with Scotty stands in my memory to this day.
We were having pizza, and I was mentioning to him that I didn't know if I wanted to remain a cop for the rest of my life. I was surprised when he suggested that I go back to school and study to become a minister. That had never occurred to me! However...
Less than 2 years ago I found a church (North River Church of Christ) where I felt at home. I began to earnestly study the bible with several men in the congregation, including the junior pastor at my church. I finally felt like the living word of God was reaching me! On July 19, 2009, the day after my 42nd birthday, I was baptized and received Christ into my life and heart. I continue to study when I can, and I hope to find time, eventually, to pursuing my education with even greater zeal. I have been asked by my pastors to speak before our congregation several times now during service, and I've also been a speaker at a Church leadership conference. I look forward to serving God more and more.
When I look back and examine the lives that have influenced me the most, especially in the path I now follow, I have to say that Scotty has been an amazing influence, mentor....and friend.
Sincerely,
Wade E. Wagnon
During my military career I was proud to be part of "A Few Good Men". After the adrenaline rush of basic training wore off I realized some of the good men that served with us didn't have the title of U.S. Marine but were the Navy Corpsmen and Naval Chaplains that looked after our bodies and souls. On October 17, 2010 I did not meet the fine officers that responded to the report of the death of Derek Lee Ramsey at the Grove Apartments late that Sunday night. However, I did have the opportunity to meet a great man with the Carrollton City Police Department that did not carry a police badge or wear a gun.
That man was Chaplain Doug Hardy.
By the time my wife and I arrived around 1:00 am Monday morning Chaplain Hardy had already been present with my daughter Kimberly Crawford, the girlfriend who discovered the body, and Chris Ramsey, the victim’s mother who had drove down alone from Calhoun after receiving the tragic news. Chaplain Hardy was a ray of light during the first minutes of this family’s darkest hour. He watched over the mourners as a father watching over his children... a Sheppard over his flock. His calm demeanor gave assurance to the deceased’s family and loved ones. As I observed him, he was constantly making visual contact with everyone in the room and truly concerned about their loss. He was aware of everyone’s movement about the apartment where they had gathered to bond while the officers were clearing the scene and transporting Derek to the hospital. He positioned himself perfectly in the room as to be available to everyone but not to interfere with the natural process which had begun to run its course. He was offered a place to sit and something to drink but chose to remain on his feet and did so tirelessly for several hours. The only time he wasn't standing was when he drove to lead the family to the hospital.
At the hospital he continued assisting the disoriented, shocked group and met any of their needs and request. As this first and most horrifying part of our journey drew to an end Chaplain Hardy joined the family together and prayed that they be given understanding to the reasons for these events and have supreme guidance during the days that would follow. Before the family departed he made sure they knew how to, and that he could be contacted for any of their needs.
I want to thank all involved for the excellent handling of the situation at the Grove Apartments that night and aiding me in my investigation for the past three weeks. I want to especially thank Chaplain Hardy for his outstanding services. I appreciate all that he did that night. A most impressive detail I just discovered before leaving Carrollton yesterday is that he is not actually on the department’s payroll, but a volunteer who gives his time generously and asks for nothing in return. He is beyond doubt a great asset to the Carrollton City Police Department.
Sincerely,
James “Ben” Crawford
GySgt USMC(Ret)
"In August 2010, I had a kidney transplant at Emory Hospital. Chaplains Neal Brown and Steve Brandon made an overnight trip to be with me and my daughter (the donor) on the morning of surgery and stayed until we were in a room. I will never be able to express my gratitude to these two for what they did. Having someone there to hold your hand and pray with you at a time like that means everything."
Sgt. Lisa Swinney,
Ft. Oglethorpe Fire Department
“The Chaplain program at the Hall County Sheriff's Office is very important to the employee’s and to the citizens of Hall County. Many times Chaplain Richard Thomas has been called to the scene of crimes and accidents that have resulted in loss of life. Richard has a unique ability to provide the spiritual support and comfort that is needed by both citizens and members of the Sheriff's Office in these critical situations. His weekly visit to headquarters and the jail always brightens our day as well. We are blessed to have many great Chaplains’ with a heart for service like Richard Thomas and Ricky Thrasher serving in the Chaplain Program here at the Hall County Sheriff's Office”.
Colonel Jeff Strickland,
Hall County SO
