By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times
Kentucky Christian University in Grayson recently held an event to show its appreciation for first responders. University President Terry Alcorn told those gathered at Lusby Hall that people don’t typically call upon first responders just to stop by and chat.
“The community calls you, and we call you when there is an emergency,” Alcorn said.
“The Bible teaches, in Romans 13, that we should give honor to whom honor is due,” Alcorn continued. “And that is exactly what KCU wants to do for you today. We want to give you honor and thank you for what you do.”
Grayson Mayor Troy Combs and Carter County Judge Executive Brandon Burton were present at the event with each sharing words of praise for the first responders gathered. The keynote speaker was retired Louisville Police Commander Dr. Phillip Russell, who is a thirty-year veteran of that department, and is currently an adjunct professor at KCU.
“I just want to say on behalf of the City of Grayson that we appreciate the agencies we have in this county and city,” Combs told those assembled. “Ever since I became mayor it has been a joy and a delight to see us all work together. We have such a great group of people. Whether it is on our own side in emergency management or working with dispatch and 911 with Judge Burton. You make it easy, and we appreciate you.”
“I think it’s so important to note and to highlight the difficulties our first responders go through,” Combs added.
Combs referenced a training session he had sat in on, and how he was alarmed to learn how many first responders experienced post traumatic stress disorder. Combs also said that he was grateful for KCU hosting the appreciation event for first responders because they do not often receive the show of appreciation they so richly deserve; sentiments that were echoed by the judge executive.
“It’s an honor to be in my position because I get to honor you,” Burton told the first responders gathered at KCU. “From the perspective of the county and the fiscal court, you are our first line of defense.”
Burton also recognized first responders lost over the last couple of years.
“It doesn’t seem real that we have lost a few of our men,” he said, referencing Allen Stapleton, Adam Stapleton and Duane Suttles. “We have lost great people that are vital and important to our community. We called on them, and they were always there.”
Burton said that those assembled carried on that legacy, however.
“We can’t thank you enough for all you do and for your friendship. Reach out if you need anything and we will do our best to provide it,” Burton said.
Keynote speaker Dr. Phillip Russell told the crowd he was used to speaking at less welcoming events, and was happy with the response from KCU and the community.
“When I speak before groups it’s normally places like Louisville, where we have had our share of protests, and media that don’t care much for us,” Russell told those assembled. “But you obviously have a community that supports you, and that’s a big deal.”
Russell said that it was unique that the mayor would attend such a function and that the university would also show such obvious support. He began his career in 1994 and retired at the close of 2023. He said that when President Alcorn asked him if he would be part of the appreciation event, he was thrilled.
“I’m just a retired old cop,” Russell said. “But if there is anything I can share, any wisdom I might have gathered over the years that might help to motivate you and help you stand firm, I am glad to do so.”
“Whether you are police or fire or EMS, there are a lot of things you have to go through,” Russell said. “When I teach strategy, I always teach that leaders need to find their ‘True North’,” he said. “If you are a few degrees off true north, it doesn’t take long before you are completely out of alignment. One way to do that is to center yourself and go back to where you began. Understand your beginnings.”
Dr. Russell spoke to the first responders and shared memories of his time as an active police officer and also shared some of what he learned from others. He stressed that self-care should be followed, especially by those whose very identities had become built around caring for others. He also said as part of finding the true north, looking back to their beginnings would help them to remember why they do what they do. Understanding that, he said, would help them maintain even if others misunderstood or failed to appreciate their dedication.
Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com
