HUTCHINSON, Kan. – A local minister who has worked with the Bible and Badge Chaplaincy Program since 1974 was surprised when he came to give the prayer at the Reno County Commission meeting Tuesday morning.
After Willard Stafford, Pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Hutchinson, gave the prayer, County Commissioner Dan Deming presented him with a certificate of recognition for his service to the county for the past 41 years.
The certificate was signed by the Mayor of Hutchinson and all of the Hutchinson City Council members, as well as all three County Commissioners. He was clearly caught off guard.
He commented on his position and thanked the past and present city and county leaders for their support of this program.
In addition to working with law enforcement to assist in very difficult times, he has been the pastor for 46 years. His chaplaincy program has earned him the nickname “Gentle Giant.”
“When you knock on someone’s door and give them bad news, you better have all kinds of support, like I’ve had from this community and from my church, because you’re bringing the worst news they’re ever going to hear probably,” Willard said.
He says he’ll see those he has had to deliver bad news to, some will come and thank him while others will turn around and walk away because he reminds them of that dark time in their life.
His wife and son were also present, along with officers with Hutchinson Police and the Reno County Sheriff’s Office during the presentation Tuesday morning at the commission meeting.