Paul Harvey passed away in 2009 at the age of 90.
His name will escape many, but for decades he was a household name to millions of radio listeners across North America. Like many personalities his name had been shortened to something easier to say. Paul Harvey Aurandt was just a kid when he started his radio career in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
His push into the business came from a teacher impressed by his voice and ability to weave a tale. For decades he filled American listeners in on the rest of the story. What we may believe, isn’t always so.
That his father was a police officer and died at the hands of robbers when Harvey was only three years old is a bit ironic as we share the rest of the story about our local police service and the Christmas spirit this year.
A good friend of ours used to joke that he likes his cops tough. That was back in the days of Wellington OPP getting started with its first municipal contract in Ontario. Officers and leaders have come and gone, but the basics remain the same. They are a professional crew that can be counted on when the going gets tough.
Having spent time with the men and women in uniform as chairman of the Wellington County Police Services board, we did get to see another side of policing.
In addition to keeping the public safe, they do a lot of caring for people and the communities they serve.
Their training extends far beyond how to take down a prisoner or how to make a drug bust. They learn how to be firm yet show empathy and provide strength for those in crisis.
It’s a career that amounts to a calling to serve others.
News then that our local police adopted a family this Christmas wasn’t a great surprise to us. Officers of all stripes donated a wide variety of household goods, new clothing and gifts that could be used by a family with children.
Confident their adopted family was in good shape, organizers decided to use a final generous contribution from an anonymous officer to purchase non-perishable items for the local food bank. There was enough to fill a good-sized shopping cart and share with other families needing that service this year.
This is the point where readers, particularly those who witnessed a spectacle as the officers shopped, get to know the rest of the story.
Stores at this time of year are filled with people getting ready for Christmas. We hazard to guess a good number, depending on the time of day, might be on a mission for work or charity. It’s something none of us know for sure.
The two officers, however, had their uniform on, which drew the attention of another shopper who was irate that they would be shopping on taxpayers’ time. In the midst of good deeds they were publicly berated.
Despite being told what their mission was, and having that confirmed by an appalled store clerk who knew the whole story, a call was still placed to the officers’ commanding officer looking for justice.
Like most employees there was a bit of apprehension heading back to the shop. We hope their supervising officer gave them a hug and said what we say now: we’ve got your back.
Knowing our readership as we do, we feel safe stating the vast majority of residents are proud of their police service and appreciate the extra effort to help out a family this Christmas.
When the chips are down and we need tough men and women in uniform to sort out trouble, residents have little to worry about. And yes, when empathy and kindness are required, residents can count on the Wellington OPP to be there, strong and true.
As is our custom, we offer up a wish for Christmas. Let this be a season of respect and good deeds.
On behalf of all of our staff, Merry Christmas Wellington.
