Shelby Shopper Shelby NC
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Thursday, April 13-April 19, 2023 www.shelbyinfo.com 704/484-1047 - shelby shopper & info - Page 15 By Loretta Cozart On Friday, March 31 at 4 p.m., Shelby Police Chief Jeff Ledford retired, sign- ing off for the last time after 30-years of service with the department. He was quick to thank others for pointing him to- ward a career in law en- forcement. After graduating from Kings Mountain High School in 1986, he began his path into public service when he joined the Kings Mountain Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter at the age of 18. Chief Ledford was born, raised, and continues to live in Kings Mountain. He is the son of the late Harold and Rachel Ledford. "My Godfather was David Corn, and he had a heavy influence on me. He had worked at Kings Moun- tain Police Department be- fore going on to the state to instruct officers in use of the Intoxilyzer. On his advice, I studied Criminal Justice and went into the Police Acad- emy in 1991. He introduced me to Shelby Police De- partment, and I began my career here in 1992. I was promoted to chief fifteen years ago and have been fortunate to work my entire career in one place." When asked if any event in his career stands out in his mind, Chief Ledford an- swered saying, "I've spent the last couple of months reflecting about that and there is not one single mo- ment that was the moment. I would have to say that mo- ment is made up of lots of different moments, if that makes sense?" "It is made up of all the people I've worked for. I came up under some good leaders and mentors. They helped me, and not just people from Shelby. Those I worked alongside watching what they did every day, it was just humbling to watch," he said. "Lots of moments in the last five years stand out, watching how officers have handled and worked with groups in the community. And this was before the time that the national narrative was police being against the community. The peo- ple I work alongside take customer service very se- riously, engaging the com- munity. It is amazing how the community has rallied around us. We have had our dark days, but I have been blessed for 30-years to be part of this group." According to Chief Led- ford, the program he takes immense pride in is Part- ners for Change, started in 2012. He feels this group has strengthened commu- nity relations and commu- nity cohesion. "I didn't do this myself," he was quick to point out. "This group was formed by several pastors, community leaders, and me. We didn't just have 10 to 20 people involved for our quarterly lunches, we had 80 to 100." "To see people come to- gether in a room for lunch and conversation. I ask my- self, 'Had we not done that, where would we be?' I have learned that it takes years to build trust and relation- ships, but that trust can be lost in a minute. We held a lunch yesterday to thank ev- eryone, and to say that we aren't through yet; we have more work to do." "Here, I have seen law enforcement who really cares about the community, Shelby Police Department, Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, Kings Mountain Po- lice Department, and Besse- mer City Police Department. I have been blessed to work among the best in this busi- ness. When you work with people like that, you realize you are lucky to have found such a good place to be." When asked what his plans are for retirement, Chief Ledford shared that he had spoken to several retired officers earlier in the day. "Talking to them, I re- alized I wouldn't be where I am today were it not for them putting me on this path." Chief Ledford's initial plans include a family trip to the coast for a couple of weeks. "I have to catch up on a few things I've put off. Family, they are the people who paid the price the most. They have sacrificed for me. And the person who tolerated the most was my wife, Kendra. I have a debt to repay to her." My son, Jarrett, just graduated. He is a prosecu- tor and the Assistant Dis- trict Attorney. I'm passing that public service torch on to him. My daughter Bailey is a student at Campbell University, and I plan to go watch her cheer there. She is working on a Marketing Major, and now it's my turn to cheer them both on." Chief Ledford paused, "Today is bittersweet, es- pecially when I do my final sign-off. I've watched others do it and didn't understand how hard that is to do, until I was preparing for it my- self. I look forward to the next chapter. I just know it is going to be hard to close this one. At 4 pm, I'll say for the last time, 'Shelby, I'm 10-42,' the code used to indicate an officer's end of tour. "If I can get through that, then I'll be off to the coast." Chief Jeff Ledford looks back on career at SPD CHIEF JEFF LEDFORD More than 300 commu- nity college leaders from across the state gathered last week in Raleigh to advocate for the NC Com- munity College System's legislative priorities. From Cleveland Com- munity College, President Dr. Jason Hurst, Trustees Chair Bill Turpish, Vice Chair Allen Langley, and Trustees Wayne King, Kenneth Ledford, Larry Hamrick, and Dennis Bai- ley participated in the day's events, which highlighted the importance of commu- nity colleges in our state. Among the Commu- nity College Day event speakers were NC Senate Pro Tem Phil Berger, NC House Speaker Tim Moore and chairs of powerful edu- cation and appropriations committees. All legislators emphasized the critical mission of the community colleges to train and retrain the state's workforce. "Businesses know what they need from their workers, and community colleges know how to build a workforce," Berger said. Legislators also com- mended the community college leaders' work at all 58 campuses. "Commu- nity colleges are 58 strong in North Carolina and are truly the lifeblood of work- force development and ed- ucation improvement in our state," Moore said. The NC Community Col- leges System is advocat- ing for a legislative agenda focused on students and employees as community colleges work to support the businesses in their communities. The legisla- ture is currently holding its long session when budget matters are decided for a two-year biennium. "Our legislators are in- credibly busy," said Dr. Hurst. "We appreciate having this opportunity to spend time with them and talk about the positive im- pact community colleges have on our individual communities and the entire state." said Dr. Hurst. Local leaders advocate for systemwide priorities Community College Day held at state's capital Pictured left to right in the NC House Chamber: Kenneth Ledford, Bill Turpish, Speaker Tim Moore, Wayne King, Allen Langley, and Jason Hurst. Photo by Cleveland Community College (2nd Part of "Easter" Series) Have you ever felt over- whelmed by the burden of your circumstance or challenge of your weaknesses? Maybe you have been deeply sorrowful or grieved about a problem or a person. No matter what it is, God cares about what you are going through. According to Hebrews 4:15, "we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin". I love this scripture passage because it shows us that Jesus can relate to you and me. In fact, Jesus showed us ways of how to triumph over our inner struggles. The first step in victory is to yield your heart, decisions, and life to the perfect will of God - even when it is difficult. Jesus could have decided that the price for our salvation was too much. He knew exactly what he had to endure, yet he chose to obediently surrender. Even before his death on the cross, he died to any emotions, thoughts, or desires that didn't align to the Father's will. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he declared, "Not my will, but yours be done." (See Luke 22:42). In addition, Jesus prayed fervently and several times. He showed us how to press in with prayer. Many like to pray for a few minutes, but there are seasons when we need to linger in God's presence, persevere in prayer, and receive from God's pres- ence. During prayer Jesus received supernatural strength. Luke 22:43 states, "And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him." Furthermore, Jesus had an eternal outlook and goal. Having a laser beam focus kept him moving for- ward despite the extreme hardships he faced. Jesus doesn't want us to get weary, give up, and throw in the towel when we are in a personal battle. We should al- ways be fixing our eyes on Jesus. In Hebrews 12:2- 3, Apostle Paul states, "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostil- ity against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood." PRAY THIS PRAYER: "Father God, I magnify your holy name. You know all about me Lord - including my weaknesses and inner struggles. Yet, you love me and have given me a purpose. Help me to follow your example of com- plete surrender to the Father's will. Teach me to pray earnestly. Remind me to be eternity minded. Lord, I ask you to immerse me in your Holy Spirit so I am empowered to live for you. In Jesus' name I pray - Amen." Danyale Patterson would love to hear from you! Contact her at www.danyale.com to share a testi- mony, send a prayer request, or book her to speak. Strength In Weakness DANYALE PATTERSON