Lieutenant C.L. Vaught said it can't be determined whether the person, who was shot in the back, was the intended victim until the shooter is identified.

Just before 1:45 a.m., Halifax Central Communications received a call of a fight at Yesteryear on Becker Drive, Chief Chuck Hasty said in a statement.

While on the phone with dispatch, the caller said shots were fired.

Lieutenant Charles Burnette found a large crowd in the bar's parking lot and in the parking lot of surrounding businesses, but no one was found fighting or wanted to cooperate with law enforcement. Officers did find and recover numerous shell casings in the area.

Around 4 a.m., the police department received a call from Halifax Regional Medical Center about a person with a gunshot wound.

Officer Joey Spragins responded to speak with the victim.

The victim was in the parking lot next to Yesteryear when he heard numerous gunshots.

The victim left the scene and went home, but was then brought to the hospital by family and dropped off at the emergency room.

The victim was treated and released from the hospital early this morning.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Vaught 252-533-2810 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

June 26

Around 9:45 a.m., Officer Jonathan Benthall responded to a larceny call at Walmart.

Loss prevention reported Justin Andrew Vaughan, 23, of Conway, took items from the store without paying for them.

Benthall arrested and charged Vaughan with larceny and possession of stolen goods.

He was given a $400 bond and July 24 court date.

Around 3 p.m., Benthall responded to a larceny call at Walmart.

Loss prevention reported Joshua Kyle Bradley, 21, of Roanoke Rapids, and Destiny Marie Seward, 19, of Emporia, took items from the store without paying for them.

Benthall arrested and charged both of them with larceny, possession of stolen goods, and conspiracy.

They were both given $1,000 bonds and July 24 court dates.

Around 8:30 p.m., Master Officer Gerald Morris responded to a larceny at the Speed Mart on East Tenth Street.

A store employee told Morris James Fredrick Rauhe, 57, of Roanoke Rapids, asked for a lottery ticket, scratched it and then did not have the money to pay for it.

Morris arrested and charged Rauhe with larceny and trespassing.

He was given a $4,000 bond and September 4 court date.

Around 11:30 p.m., Morris responded to a trespasser call at Presto on Julian R. Allsbrook Highway.

Morris was told the person was drinking on the property, begging for money and refused to leave when asked to by store staff.

Officer Ryan Cross located the person on Roanoke Avenue.

After speaking with Charlie Lee Baugham, 59, of Roanoke Rapids, Morris arrested and charged him with intoxicated and disruptive behavior, trespassing and consuming alcohol in public.

Baugham received a $1,000 bond and was given a September 4 court date.

June 27

Around 12:30 a.m., Lieutenant Jeff Baggett and Master Officer Gorton Williams were working at Applebee’s off-duty when a fight broke out in the bar area.

Cedric O’Brien Mills, 31, of Weldon, and Keyon Quarice West, 20, of Gaston, were arrested and charged with simple affray.

Mills, who was out on other charges, was given an $80,000 bond and West, who was also out on other charges, was given a $40,000 bond.

They both have an August 8 court dates.

Around 2:30 p.m., Master Officer Mark Peck responded to a trespasser call at Walmart.

Loss prevention reported Reginald Eugene Hardy, 26, of Roanoke Rapids, was on the property when he was not supposed to be there.

Peck arrested and charged Hardy with trespassing.

He was given a $4,000 bond and July 24 court date.

June 28

Around 2 a.m., Officer Joey Spragins responded to a disturbance call on Wheeler Street.

After speaking with people at the residence, Spragins located Stephen Anthony Taylor, 29, of Roanoke Rapids, outside the residence cursing and trying to provoke a fight with people inside.

Spragins arrested and charged Taylor with disorderly conduct.

Taylor was given a $300 bond and an August 28 court date.

Sergeant Richie White and Morris assisted.

Around 4:30 a.m., Lieutenant Charles Burnette and Cross responded to a single-vehicle car crash on Willow Street.

Cross spoke with the driver, Christopher Bryan Buffaloe, 23, of Potecasi.

Buffaloe told cross another vehicle cut him off and caused him to run off the roadway.

During Cross’s investigation, he found Buffaloe had been drinking.

Cross arrested and charged Buffaloe with driving while impaired and released him to the custody of a sober person.

He has a September 4 court date.

White and Morris assisted in the investigation.

Around 2:30 p.m., Sergeant Terrence Tyler responded to investigate a larceny call at Walmart.

Loss prevention told Tyler Bobbi Jo Britt, 19, and Tiffany Nicole West, 17, both of Roanoke Rapids, attempted to take items from the store without paying for them.

Tyler cited both of them with shoplifting and they were released until their July 17 court date.

Around 11:30 p.m., Morris and Cross responded to a disturbance call on Madison Street.

Michael Cornelius Higgins, 32, of Roanoke Rapids, claimed someone damaged his property inside his room.

When the officers went to check, they discovered marijuana and paraphernalia.

Morris cited Higgins for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released until his September 4 court date.

The domain name for the theater website no longer includes the Royal Palace Theatre and the website, which is being updated by the Computer Guy & Company, can be found by following this link.

City Manager Joseph Scherer said Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon will be in charge of rentals while Public Works Director Larry Chalker will in charge of support operations.

Scherer said the city is still studying whether to go back to previous rental rates or whether city council may want to deliberate new rates.

There is interest from different people in renting the venue as the city weighs its options on selling and whether the remaining debt on the building can be restructured. “We have contact with different people and are reaching out to see if there is still interest,” Scherer said.

The effort put in redesigning the website, Scherer said, “Is an example of how we want to move forward quickly and continue to use the facility.”

Chalker said a new Facebook page has also been started, along with the new website. “With the new domain, we've already reached 3,000 people. It's important for people to know we have this building and this building is for rent for different types of events.”

Requests are being made for comedy shows, music shows, community theater, weddings, receptions and birthdays. “HSV tied up the front with the gaming. Now we're back to the previous format where you can rent the lobby, banquet room and the whole facility.”

Chalker stressed the city will not be putting on shows, “But we're making it availabe for promoters and groups to put on shows.”

Public works has went through the building and patched and painted drywall blemishes and painted public spaces. “We're actually having to replace some flooring for wear and tear. It's ready to put on shows and there is a demand.”

The district collected $1,902,710 last year from real property, personal property, and motor vehicles within the district boundaries, the school system said in a statement.

Under the rate adjustment, the district is expected to collect $1,914,613 million, which is roughly $12,000 additional.

Board Chairman Jay Carlisle said, “By rounding off the rate from .2236 to .2250, we’ll maintain basically the same revenue stream. This is because the overall property valuations within the school district boundaries and across Halifax County decreased.”

The new publication, titled Healthy Halifax, will be mailed quarterly to 18,000 regional healthcare consumers and features an engaging design intended to bring readers’ attention to news, stories and information that is relevant to their health.

The newsletter, according to HRMC, will attempt to target primary and second markets of those who are most likely to use the hospital. It is expected to cover Halifax, Northampton, Emporia and Warren County.

A PDF of the newsletter is expected to be posted on HRMC's website soon. The newsletter will include a calendar of events, not just at HRMC, but events that promote healthy activities and lifestyles across the Roanoke Valley.

Healthy Halifax features guidance from physicians and other experienced health professionals, updates on Medical Center initiatives, and tips for eating, exercising and living well. Information about seminars, classes and community events promote the health and well-being of area residents and their families will also be provided.

“Halifax Regional is committed to helping our community become more engaged in their own healthcare,” said William Mahone, president of HRMC. “The Healthy Halifax newsletter provides connections to local physicians and other resources, along with reliable, up-to-date health and medical information that can be used to make informed health decisions and help you live life to the fullest.”

Warren County Sheriff’s Office deputies found Richardson, 40, shot to death in the yard of his Rabbit Bottom Road residence on January 22. Richardson was a member of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe.

Sheriff’s investigators and the SBI have attempted to identify two men who were recorded on surveillance video footage around the time of the homicide walking toward Richardson’s house and then running away a short time later.

“We believe there are citizens with knowledge about this murder who we have not yet spoken with and we hope the publicity from this reward will encourage witnesses to come forward,” stated SBI Special Agent Phillip Stevens.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation are hopeful that this reward will encourage those with information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of Richardson’s killer to come forward.

The county and state authorities request anyone with information about this case to contact the sheriff’s office at 252-257-1356 or the SBI at 919-662-4500.

The Pizzaz Band will be the featured entertainment and Abrams Amusements will have rides and activities for children. Food will be available and the annual fireworks show begins at dark.

Halifax

The Historic State Site opens at 10 a.m. and will close at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

At 5:30 p.m. festivities begin on the grounds of the courthouse complex with Rising Star Karaoke playing beach, country and soft rock and Character Antics offering games and amusements for children.

At 7 p.m. the Work in Progress Bluegrass band performs and then at 8 p.m. there will be a military salute and performance of the delegate scene from First for Freedom.

At 9 p.m. Halifax Fire and Rescue puts on the fireworks show.

For more information contact the town of Halifax at 252-583-6571.

Hobgood

The town of Hobgood's celebration gets under way at 6 p.m. Saturday at Friendship Park with music and other activities. Fireworks at dark.

Lake Gaston

The Lake Gaston fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Saturday at Eaton Ferry Road.

The paper learned Rumeal Daye, 24, of Conway, was found hiding in the attic of a residence on Boyette Street shortly after 8 p.m.

Hertford County Sheriff Juan Vaughan told the News-Herald that he had received information early this evening Daye was believed to be in the Murfreesboro residence and that home was quickly surrounded by law enforcement officers from several agencies.

The Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald was also informed that the other wanted fugitive in the Conway murder – Akeem Robinson, 24 – has been captured. That report has yet to be confirmed.

Shuntavius Vaughan of Conway was shot and killed at 305 Fields Drive at the Conway Village Apartments last Friday morning. The Conway Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office have been investigating the crime.

One of the original four suspects, 25-year-old Chenail Jordan, Jr., was arrested on Friday; while another Brandon Joyner, 24, of Conway, turned himself in around 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Both are currently being held in the Northampton County Jail without the opportunity of bond.

Jordan and Joyner both stand charged with first degree murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, shooting into an occupied dwelling, and possession of firearm by a felon. Daye and Robinson face those same charges.

Sheriff Wes Tripp said today if they are found to be in operation an investigation will be opened.

If a clear violation is found any owner or operator will be charged and could face federal litigation by the Eastern District United States Attorney's Office.

In addition, any establishment found to be in operation runs the risk of having machines confiscated and held in evidence. The owners could be held responsible for paying the storage fees for confiscated equipment, Tripp said.

“Sweepstakes Internet and sweepstakes machines have always been against the law,” Tripp said. “I, as sheriff, have been very patient with enforcement of that general statute because of pending litigation to and from the appellate courts of North Carolina, strong rumors that the General Assembly was going to make it legal and trying to be conservative with Halifax County tax dollars.”

Tripp said he plans to personally inspect the establishments today through Thursday.

It remains unclear where state lawmakers stand and an industry lobbyist told rrspin.com last week he didn't feel comfortable discussing the matter unless the website was onboard and willing to make a donation to the lobbying efforts.

Tanika Lashae Arrington is the girlfriend of Dexter Taylor, who is wanted in the murder of Jarshamel Cambridge, Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said in a statement.

She was charged with felony common law obstruction of justice stemming from investigation of the murder. Investigation shows she covered up and hid evidence from detectives throughout the course of their examination of the case. The sheriff declined to go into specifics of the charge against Arrington and the motive behind the murder.

Arrington was jailed on $10,000 bond and awaits an August 26 court appearance.

Meanwhile, the sheriff's office continues to look for Taylor, who is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the sheriff's office at 252-583-8201 or Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.

Investigation is ongoing and more arrests are pending.

Task force Captain A.M. Harris said today agents made contact with the federal office soon after warrants were served for the arrest of Ussery and his girlfriend in Virginia.

Ussery was released from federal custody September of last year but under terms of his sentence was given a term of five years supervised release.

“We had been receiving information he was back selling in Halifax County and Nash County not long after he got out,” Harris said today. “We had started getting complaints from Ironwood Drive. We had been receiving complaints for several months.”

Shortly before 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, the task force said in a statement, agents with assistance from Lieutenant George Evans, Deputy M. Butler and Corporal M. Brown of the Halifax County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at Ironwood Drive, which is a mobile home community off West Tenth Street.

Task force agents received information from the Greensville County Sheriff's Office Ussery and his girlfriend, Danielle Richardson, were arrested there on several drug counts.

According to a statement from the Greensville County Sheriff's Office ,Ussery and Richardson were arrested around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Love's Travel Plaza in Skippers.

Captain B. Stroud, Detective B. Ligon and Deputy C. Rook arrested the pair and charged them with distribution of heroin after finding slightly more than 8 grams and $1,330 in cash.

They are currently being held at the Southside Regional Jail without opportunity for bond.

During the search of the residence on Ironwood Drive, with the assistance from Brown and his dog, Mallie, approximately 73.8 grams of cocaine, 28 dosage units of Oxycodone, drug paraphernalia including a digital scale and plastic baggies were seized. Value of the seized drugs is around $5,000, Harris said.

Warrants have been obtained on Ussery, 25, and Richardson, 22, both of Roanoke Rapids, for trafficking in cocaine, felony possession of cocaine, maintaining a dwelling to keep a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession with intent to sell and deliver a schedule II controlled substance.

Following extradition to Halifax County their court date will be August 26.

Ussery, his father, Derrick Ussery Sr. were arrested on federal drug charges on March 2, 2010, after the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives executed a federal search warrant at the home where Ussery, and his son resided.

His father remains in federal custody.

Provided by the Emergency Communications Network, CodeRED is a high-speed system with an initial database of residential and business landline numbers, however, residents within Halifax County are encouraged to visit the Emergency Communications Network website to enroll additional contact information, including cell phone numbers and email addresses.

The county said in a news release no one should automatically assume they are in the emergency contact database.

“The CodeRED system will serve as a major component of the county's emergency planning communications outreach to both citizens and county personnel,” the news release said. “CodeRED's system will provide county officials with a reliable, easy-to-use interface to quickly disseminate critical information to citizens during emergencies.”

The system has the capability to send telephone calls, text messages, emails and posts through social media. “The system will be used to notify residents in specific geographic locations of emergency situations including, but not limited to, fires, floods, tornadoes, drinking water emergencies and missing person notices.”

Signup is available by following this link.

The department responded to a call of a capsized kayak just before 10 a.m.

Emergency responders found the man hanging on to a log in the center of the river near the old railroad tracks.

Gaston dispatched a rescue boat carrying its swift water rescue team and brought the man to shore, along with the kayak.

The man was assessed by Gaston EMS and refused medical transportation.

Additional assistance was provided by the Weldon Fire Department, Northampton County Sheriff’s Office and North Carolina Highway Patrol.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is leading the investigation. An officer could not immediately be reached for comment this afternoon.

The state Division of Motor Vehicles Wednesday unveiled the license plate which it said in a news release on its website recognizes the state's historic role in the creation of the United States.

“I'm very pleased to see this coming,” said Halifax County Commissioner Rives Manning. “I think it's about time the historical significance of Halifax County is finally being recognized.”

Halifax Mayor John White was also pleased. “I think it's great. I think what they're doing is a good idea.”

Lori Medlin, president of the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau said, “I love it. The more we talk about it, the more visitors will come to visit. I think it's a good move. These license plates are the best free advertising we can get.”

DMV's announcement marks the first time the First in Freedom plate has been used since 1982 and joins the First in Flight plate as a second option for vehicle owners.

"North Carolina is a state of firsts and we continue to be a leader in innovation," said Governor Pat McCrory in the news release. "What a great way to celebrate North Carolina's rich history and the birth of our nation by offering drivers a chance to proudly display a plate that honors our contribution to freedom, here in one of the most military friendly states."

The phrase First in Freedom recognizes two firsts established by North Carolinians during the early stages of the American Revolution.

The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence and the Halifax Resolves have been noted throughout history as the first steps by one of the original 13 colonies to secede from Great Britain.

"As a veteran I’m proud to help issue the First in Freedom plate, honoring this important value that many North Carolina servicemen and women continue to fight for and uphold everyday," said North Carolina Department of Transportation Secretary Tony Tata in the statement. "We look forward to seeing these plates displayed proudly on our state roadways soon."

This new version was designed by Charles Robinson, a Troy resident, historian and license plate collector.

The plate features an amber quill pen, which symbolizes the signing of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence and the Halifax Resolves.

The signing dates of these two events, May 20, 1775 — Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence —and April 12, 1776 — Halifax Resolves — are featured at the top center of the plate over the title letters, which display First in Freedom.

Robinson used the amber color as a key component of the quill pen as a tribute to the primary color of the classic state license plates of the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s. Those plates were manufactured in amber and black.

The original First in Freedom plate was unveiled January 10, 1975, as part of a collaborative initiative between the North Carolina Department of Transportation and North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. The initial plate was established to promote recognition of the 200th anniversary of the nation’s independence.

To apply for the First in Freedom license plate at no additional charge, request the plate at the time of registration renewal. A standard charge will be due if you apply for the plate at non-renewal times.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation said in a news release Randy Lynch, 49, was arrested Wednesday by the State Bureau of Investigation and Vance County Sheriff's Office on Flemington Road in Henderson.

He was charged with trafficking cocaine.

The street value of the seven kilograms of cocaine is estimated at $100,000.

He is being held in the Vance County Jail under $1 million bond.

This arrest is part of an ongoing investigation assisted by the Granville County Sheriff's office and the Warren County Sheriff's Office.

Other details of the case were not immediately available and it is not clear whether any charges will come out of Halifax County. Questions seeking additional information on the case have been sent to the SBI.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said the sheriff's office assisted in searches in Halifax County and one of its canines was used in Warren County.

“He has always been on law enforcement's radar,” Tripp said of Lynch, “and I commend the good work of the SBI and the Vance, Granville and Warren county sheriff's offices.”

Sergio Keith Moody, 27, of Roanoke Rapids, was charged with indecent liberties with a minor child on June 29.

Griffin said the offense occurred in the Roanoke Rapids area and Moody was familiar with the victim, a child under the age of 16.

The arrest stemmed from an investigation that began on May 12.

Moody received a $5,000 bond and is awaiting a July 22 court appearance.

On June 30, Lequan Richardson, 17, of Littleton, was arrested and charged with breaking and entering; safecracking and larceny of a firearm.

The arrest stems from a June 11 break-in of a Littleton area funeral home in which the firearm was stolen.

Deputy C. Fortier and the Littleton Police Department assisted in the investigation leading to the identification of Richardson, who was given a $20,000 bond and is awaiting an August 19 court appearance.

Halifax County Sheriff Wes Tripp said Daquon Maurice Marrow was arrested today on a charge of murder and is being held without the opportunity for bond. He awaits a July 22 court date.

Tripp said this evening investigation shows the shooting is related gang related. It is tied to activity between Rocky Mount and Enfield gangs.

There is no evidence to show, however, the victim was a gang member, the sheriff said.

Tripp said he is not ready to discuss motive in the case as investigation continues.

Marrow is the third person to be charged in the case. The girlfriend of Dexter Devon Taylor Jr. was arrested for obstruction in the case. Taylor remains at large.

Tripp praised his detectives for their work on the case. “We are very fortunate to have the investigative staff we at the sheriff's office. They have been working hard to bring some type of closure to the victim's family.”

Tripp said more arrests are expected.

The search warrant was based on complaints of illegal drug activity at the business, the former Bray Supply, said Lieutenant Harold Phillips of the City County Drug Task Force.

Phillips said the investigation was conducted for about a month.

Although no narcotics were found, James Lashawn Jones, 32, was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.

That no drugs were found did not make the outing futile, Phillips said. “No, because we got a weapon off the street within arm's reach of a convicted felon.”

Jones was out on bond awaiting August court dates in both district and superior after being charged last year in the Operation Southern Summer drug campaign.

Phillips said investigation will continue on all drug activity in the area.

Jones was jailed on $20,000 secured bond and awaits an August 26 court date.

Battalion Chief Tim Gray said the department received the call just before 8:30 and found heavy smoke coming from the eaves and windows.

No one was home at the time of the fire.

Gray said it appeared the fire may have started in the front room of the house. He said probably half the house sustained fire damage and the rest smoke damage.

The Weldon native and North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper celebrated a milestone Thursday— earning his master trooper badge, which represents six years on the road and a clean record with no disciplinary actions.

It is a badge routinely given to troopers, but Bynum sees it as a key to unlock more doors within the organization and the community.

One of those goals is to work his way to the rank of sergeant. He still has two more years before he can apply. “I'm trying to do right in my job as a trooper. I'm trying to do the right things, getting more involved with the community as well as letting the community know this is a human service thing. It's not all about issuing citations. It's about saving lives and giving knowledge to the community.”

Growing up

Growing up in the Weldon projects at Spruce Court, the 32-year-old Bynum understands hard work and discipline. “That's one of the main things. Adversity is something serious in life. Making a life decision is hard. You've got to make a plan and stick with it.”

Bynum sees the road he's taken as a positive. “I can relate to all sides of society. It helps me to see what people from all walks of life are faced with. We're all faced with similar issues. It makes me a well-rounded person.”

He graduated Weldon High School in 2001, receiving a scholarship to play football at Winston-Salem State University as a linebacker.

There he was named an all-conference player in the CIAA and in his senior year was the Rams defensive MVP. He earned a therapeutic recreation degree with a minor in psychology.

His high school athletic career was just as stellar and he gives credit to God and several people for helping him seek a positive path.

There was Phyllis Neville, one of his high school teachers. “She was my school mom.”

There was the family of St. Peter's Missionary Baptist Church.

“It kept my mind occupied,” Bynum said. “I sang in the chorus, doing plays for the church, the community involvement helped me do what I liked to do — human service. It gave me things to look for. I wanted to follow the teachings of the Bible.”

There is his family, his sister, his brother and his mother, Wanda Bynum. “She pushed me to work hard. That's my Bobby Knight.”

One of his high school coaches, James Lynch, was a positive influence on him. “My coach was one of the people who guided me.”

Lynch always told him, “Coming up, you've got to look at not being in high school. You've got to look toward to the future. Basically too many times the adolescents I deal with look at the here and now. The character you bring to the table today is how people will see you. I constantly tell people to listen, your perception is going to precede you. Look and watch how you carry yourself. Your tattoos around your neck and face. You have to think about your future. You've got to grow old one day. You can't always be six-feet tall and bullet-proof.”

Simply put, he said, just because you were born and lived in a certain location doesn't mean the location has to define who you are.

 Coming home

Bynum had originally thought of pursuing a career in the FBI when he and his middle school sweetheart, now his wife, Ebony, had a son his senior year in college. “I was doing real well. I came home to a little boy and began thinking about the future of my son. I had to find a job and take my mind off the NFL combines. I thought of ways to get a good, decent job.”

A career in the FBI would most likely mean transfers. He took a job with Life Incorporated for three years working with mentally challenged children. “I had my son full-time while she (Ebony) was in college.”

Still, although he rose to the rank of supervisor with Life, he felt the calling of the Highway Patrol. “The best thing to do was to go with one of the most elite agencies. I built my family in Roanoke Rapids and just didn't want to go with a federal agency.”

He applied to the Highway Patrol and was accepted to its academy on the first try.

Upon completion he was assigned to Pasquotank County where he worked for two years. On his second request for a transfer, he came back home.

The Bridge Builder

He loves working in his home county. “The guys know I'm hard but fair. This is a family county. There is no day I don't want to come to work. It's a great opportunity. I really have no regrets, to be around family and friends and meet new people like Vernon Bryant, the chief of police in Weldon, the sheriffs. They treat you like a family atmosphere. It matriculates to the community.”

He has been a recruiter within the Highway Patrol, which has helped him steer young people toward a positive path. “Working at home you've got to carry yourself a certain way. I tell them to stick to their guns. Don't be a follower, be a leader.”

Part of his duties also include going into schools and churches where he does safety presentations.

Ebony says her husband is the same man he was when they met at 13. “I'm so excited for this day,” she said. “He's always been kind and loving and would give you the shirt off his back.”

Bynum, who is now a father of two children with his wife, says he views his mission in life as that of the old man in the poem The Bridge Builder. “The old man builds the bridge so the young can pass easier. If we're going to make our community better we have to help everybody.”

Sergeant J.C. Goins III said Bynum is an inspiration to other troopers. “I wish we had a whole bunch like him. He's smiling all the time. He never has a bad word to say about anybody.”

He also happens to lead the district in impaired driving arrests and the ones he arrests, the sergeant says, “Thank him for it.”