Hope Rotary honors local police at annual luncheon

By Rick Kennedy, managing editor
A crowd of 40 persons, including various law enforcement officers and their colleagues, gathered in Hempstead Hall as the Hope Rotary Club held its annual “Law Enforcement Appreciation Day” program Thursday afternoon.
Hope Rotary Club spokesperson Steve Harris, who was the master of ceremonies on Thursday, said the event has been a Rotary Club tradition for years and said, “This is our way of saying thanks. We are blessed to have several law enforcement agencies here.”
Changing the order of Rotary awards this year, the Arkansas State Police presented the first award, which went to Special Agent Adam Pinner. Pinner is a criminal investigator, who has been lead on six death investigations and involved in a number of drug and narcotics operations.
In the most animated speech, Pinner remembered moving to Hope from Magnolia, recalled his local career assignments, and spoke to the issue of fighting drugs in the community.
Next, Corporal James Michael Braddock was named as “Hempstead County Deputy of the Year,” for a second time, also winning the award in 2015. Braddock was noted for being an dedicated public servant and praised for his multiple roles of service in the department. The modest Braddock delivered a brief “Thank you to everyone” as he accepted his award.
Last was the Hope Police Department, where Chief J.R. Wilson gave a speech before presenting the 2018 award to Charles Featherston who is also a graduate of Hope High School. “Charlie is a patrol officer on the night shift,” Wilson said.