Answering the call: Retiring chaplain earned faith of police and the community

Some people just know.

They have an innate sense, often early in life, that they are called to do a certain thing.

For some it's athletics, for others it is serving in the military or in law enforcement, perhaps the fire service.

Pastor Bob Fulkerson knew early on he was called to serve in a different capacity -- spreading God's word.

Now, as his career as pastor at Madison Avenue Baptist Church and as chaplain to the city's police department draws to a close, we are called to do something. To say thanks.

Thanks for the many ride-alongs with the officers who protect us. Thanks for interceding when you could with either the victims or the accused, sometimes both, at what must have been pretty dark times in their lives.

And thanks, Pastor Bob, for ministering to the men and women in uniform who see, day in and day out, the best and worst of humanity a 12-hour shift at a time.

They, along with the grieving mothers whose hands you've held, the couples who you've no doubt counseled through hard times, the kids with whom you shared the joy of learning about the Bible and the countless souls you've touched, know what your calling has meant to them.

We wish you the best in retirement and hope you and your family can look back on a career well spent and be content with all it has meant to you.

Published in Editorials on August 29, 2017 10:50 PM