06/09/2026
First and foremost, we are praying for the injured Deputy from yesterday’s tragedy. We are grateful for the men and women who worked tirelessly through the night to locate and apprehend the suspects. Their dedication is the reason our communities remain safe.
I also want to address the constant negativity directed at law enforcement by a small but very loud minority. I’ve served in this profession for over 22 years, and I have never witnessed this level of hostility, distrust, and disregard for authority, not in my career and not in my lifetime.
Authority structures matter! Scripture teaches that authority was created and designed by God. Because of humanity’s rebellion in the Garden, sin entered the world, including into authority structures. No person and no institution is perfect. That was never God’s intention. Yet we are still called to respect authority and the structures that uphold order. And it’s not about power; it’s about maintaining order in between chaos and peace.
It’s obvious where these constant attacks on authority originate, so I won’t dwell on that point. Instead, I want to highlight the consequences.
Across the country, officers who are fathers and mothers are now begging their children to choose any career except law enforcement. Recruitment and retention are at historic lows. A profession once viewed as noble and honorable is now painted by some as inherently racist or evil. Anti‑police rhetoric does nothing but sow division and weaken communities. When officers violate policy or break the law, they are held accountable. But watching false narratives spread like wildfire is deeply disheartening and concerning.
For six years I’ve warned: if society, politicians, and media outlets continue demonizing law enforcement, eventually we will look up and see the very thing they’ve been alleging, not because it was true, but because good men and women were driven away, leaving fewer qualified people willing to serve.
And then what?
Who will protect my grandchildren in 15 years?
Who will help my granddaughter when she breaks down on a country road?
Who will investigate the next violent crime against an elderly couple?
Who will block traffic and es**rt my wife’s body through town one day?
Who will guard our schools?
Who will respond when my neighbor has her first heated argument with her spouse?
Who will work my accident when I’m 90 years old?
Who will show compassion to my neighbor who quietly called the su***de hotline?
Policing is not just about arresting criminals. Officers serve as sociologists, social workers, psychologists, marriage counselors, coaches, mental‑health responders, pastors, and so much more.
To the vast majority of our community: thank you for your continued support. To the loud minority who spread misinformation and demonize the police: I pray you will self‑reflect and change course, for the sake of our children and the generations watching us. Every attack on authority teaches the next generation to reject authority altogether.
I pray our nation returns to a biblical understanding of authority and honor. When leaders recognize where their authority comes from, everything changes. It produces humility, accountability, and a deep sense of duty. Leadership is not a platform, it is a calling.
Nick McLendon
Chief of Police
