Cover the Badge in Prayer Scheduled for Sunday at City Park
By Julie Perine on September 25, 2020 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
“Cover the Badge in Prayer” will take place 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27 at Bridgeport City Park. The special community time of prayer will be for city, county, state and federal law enforcers.
“In recent months we have watched with heartache as police officers have come under assault across the United States,” said committee member, Pastor Jeff Vaughan. “As citizens, we have experienced the blessing of men and women who serve us through law enforcement. These folks have provided peace and protection in our communities; now these same officers who serve our communities need our support and prayer.”
Followed by posting of the colors by Clarksburg Police and Fire departments and opening remarks by Rev. Tom Horne of LifeWay Fellowship Church, the event will feature scripture reading, reflection and prayer.
“Representatives of different law enforcement agencies – the (Harrison County) Sheriff’s office, Bridgeport and Clarksburg police and the U.S. Marshal’s Service will all participate by leading prayer,” Vaughn said.
The event should only last 30-40 minutes, but it is hoped it will have long term effects.
“Basically, the focus is on getting folks to pray for police officers on a regular basis,” Vaughn said. “According to the bible, they are in a place of authority and people should obey them – not come up against them.”
A similar event was held on Sept. 11, 2017 at Bridgeport Recreation Complex.
It was decided in recent months to bring the event back.
“We have several men in our church (Grace Baptist Church) who are or have served as law enforcers,” Vaughn said. “When the riots broke out in Charlotte, Portland and other cities and police were assaulted, I got with my men and asked what we could do to help. I don’t know what I expected them to say, but they talked about the event a few years ago and said they would like to see it held again.”
Pam Hotsinpiller, mother of Derek Hotsinipiller, a deputy U.S. Marshal shot and killed in the line of duty, has served as coordinator of Cover the Badge in Prayer 2020.
“Area pastors have helped, but she is the catalyst behind this,” Vaughn said.
The event is to pray for our local and regional law enforcers – and those throughout the country and world.
“We want to make sure they get the right respect and attitude toward them,” Vaughn said. “It’s an opportunity to show support.”
All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Editor's Note: Photo by Ben Queen features Pamela Hotsinpiller and Pastor Tom Horne at a previous Cover the Badge in Prayer event.
