Lieutenant receives gift while patrolling

     Lt. Darryl Smith began his normal routine of patrolling on the morning of Dec. 21 until something very touching happened.

     He was stopped by a motorist who stated he had a gift for the sheriff's office that he wanted to give him. Lt. Smith stopped the young man coincidentally in front of Ascension Baptist Church and began talking with him. He started by saying that his name wasn't important and that he really did not want to be identified, but he felt it was important in light of recent events surrounding law enforcement officers to thank them for the service that provided 24/7.

     The gentleman wanted Sheriff Wiley and the entire APSO family to know that he prays for them daily and he wanted to show his appreciation in the form of a hand-crafted cross.

     While Lt. Smith was still in his presence, he asked if he could pray for him and the entire department, and the two men prayed together.

     The gift will be hung at the APSO substation on Airline Highway where deputies frequent on a daily basis in between calls for service.

     Sheriff Wiley, and the entire APSO family would like to thank the citizen for the gift and for the continued prayers.