Chief of Police Reynolds shows courage, dignity

There are few things in life more disconcerting than hearing the words, “You have cancer.” While I have personally not yet had to confront that difficult news, I have witnessed that challenge with some of my own family members.  

 

This past fall, our Chief of Police, neighbor and friend, Luther Reynolds, was diagnosed with a very serious and rare form of cancer. Chief Reynolds was subsequently treated by some of the world’s best surgeons at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. In order to remove the cancer, doctors had to amputate one of his legs. Thankfully, the cancer was successfully removed and the chief’s prognosis for the future is very positive.      

 

As with every other facet of his life and professional career, Chief Reynolds confronted the challenges of his cancer diagnosis and treatment with unwavering courage and dignity, characteristic of the many other positive examples he sets in life. 

 

In addition to being our Chief of Police and serving in executive leadership roles on many law enforcement boards and committees, Chief Reynolds is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, a noteworthy accolade shared by few distinguished law enforcement leaders throughout the country. Depicted on the FBI Seal is the motto, “Fidelity, Bravery and Integrity.” During my nearly three decades in law enforcement and related vocations, I have never met an individual more emblematic of these virtues. He is a leader who thoughtfully and keenly listens to all voices within the community he protects. More importantly, he hears those voices and takes constructive action to serve the betterment of each and every citizen. Chief Reynolds looks forward to retaking the helm of our valiant police department in the near future.  

 

If his eyes happen to spot this article, Chief Reynolds will undoubtedly react with discomfort and unease, as his has been a life spent selflessly devoted to serving others rather than himself. However, I would remain remiss if I did not ask you to keep Chief Reynolds and

his family in your thoughts and prayers, as they return home from Minnesota. 

 

For those who are interested and able, a GoFundMe page has been established to help the Reynolds family with the mounting non-covered expenses associated with the chief’s care. To learn more, please visit gofundme.com and search “Friends of Chief Luther Reynolds.”