At FCPO-USA’s National Office, we dedicate our time to ministering to law enforcement officers nationwide. But on March 20, the roles reversed, and they ministered to me.
One of the worst spots in Chattanooga to have a flat tire would have to be the Highway 153/Interstate 75 split—especially at 4:30 in the afternoon. Traffic was merging into my lane, heading into a construction zone, when I heard the unmistakable rumbling of a failing tire. Pulling over to the left shoulder, I found my right rear tire was completely flat.
Changing a tire next to rush-hour traffic is dangerous under any circumstances. But for a 65-year-old with back and hip problems, it would have been very difficult. So I did the only thing I could: turned on my flashers, got back in the car, and prayed for a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) truck to come to my aid.
About fifteen minutes later, flashing lights appeared in my rearview mirror—but it wasn’t TDOT. It was Chattanooga Police Officer Joel Crawford, who also happens to lead FCPO Chapter 121 (Chattanooga Tri-State Chapter). He recognized me immediately and without hesitation began changing my tire.
A few minutes later, another officer pulled up. It was clear he knew Officer Crawford well, and the two worked together to swap out my flat tire for the spare. It wasn’t until later that I discovered the second officer was none other than Chattanooga Police Chief John Chambers.
These two officers—on their way home after a long day—stopped to help me on a dangerous stretch of highway. It was a simple yet powerful reminder of the selfless service law enforcement officers provide every day, often with little thanks in return. God bless them all—for all they do for the rest of us, seen and unseen.
