Chaplain's Remarks

Kopp Disclosure

(John 3:19-21)

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Belvidere Police Department

Promotional Ceremony for Shane Woody to Chief of Police

March 2, 2018

Chaplain's Remarks:

I've got your back.

We've all heard it.

Essentially, it means, "I am watching out for you.  I am willing and prepared to help you, defend you, look out for you, and, if necessary, I will run into a fire with you or for you.  I will support you without complaint.  I will be there if someone is trying to blindside you.  Your well-being is as important to me as my own.  I am prepared to sacrifice for you.  And if necessary, I will take a bullet for you."

I've got your back.

That's why we don't like to hear banks say that or even some churches; and especially those who say it but don't mean it.

Sorrowfully, every law enforcement officer in here right now knows what I mean.

But here, today, as we celebrate the call from God for this community to Shane as our Chief of Police, we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses who say to each other as they say to the community with documentable history and refreshed commitment, "I've got your back."

Shane, you are our chief; and we have your back!

I can speak for police chaplains Adam and Brian to say we will run into fires with you, storms of conflict and danger, and we will gladly give up our lives in service to the community as unto service to God.

You are our chief; and we have your back!

You continue, in my dozen years in our beloved city and county, an uncommon chain of smooth and seamless transitions of pivotal leadership to the health and safety and well-being of Belvidere and Boone County.

Mayor Fred to Mayor Mike.

Fire Chief Dave to Fire Chief Al.

Sheriff Duane to Sheriff Dave.

Chief Jan to Chief Shane.

Belvidere and Boone County are uncommon in a country and state and neighboring communities that are so divided when unity is so necessary in a time when wolves want to run wild.

You are our chief;  and we have your back: police department, sheriff's office, state's attorney, most Judges, most citizens, and everyone who recognizes why we've had such smooth transitions and continue to be a gem amid the fiberglass; modeling as we radiate Someone better who has our back now and forever.

We have your back, Shane, and you have ours as Chief; and with the cloud of witnesses, we will keep the peace as long as we remain focused on doing it all for the glory, laud, and honor of

our Lord and Savior Jesus.

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Blessings and Love!

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Shatter the sound of silence!

Wake up!  Look up!  Stand up!  Speak up!  Act up for Jesus!

Salt!  Shine!  Leavenate!

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