Shield-a-Badge With Prayer Program begins
Published 11:28 pm Wednesday, May 29, 2019
- Rowan sheriff's Chaplain Michael Taylor flips through a book he's given to the families of fallen officers. Taylor has been head of the Shield-a-Badge With Prayer program for 25 years. The program is accepting new enrollment for those who want to pray and adopt for a local officer. Shavonne Potts/Salisbury Post
SALISBURY — Earlier this month, area law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives were remembered.
This month also marks the 24th year of the Shield-a-Badge With Prayer program, which asks the public to commit to praying for an officer for an entire year or more.
Rowan County Sheriff’s Chaplain Michael Taylor, who heads the program, is enrolling new program participants. Taylor is pastor at Phaniels Baptist Church in Rockwell.
Taylor connects with local law enforcement agencies that provide him with officers’ names. Those who sign up for the program commit to praying for one of the officers.
He said people often show strong support when an officer dies, but he hopes that through this program, people can show support and pray for an officer all the time.
“Let’s show them support and let them know we appreciate what they are doing,” Taylor said.
Taylor said participants send special notes, gift cards, gift baskets or support letters to officers.
In addition, those who’ve been part of the program for a number of years can continue praying for the same officer or obtain a new name.
The program is not just open to individuals but organizations and churches.
“I think it’s made a difference,” Taylor said.
For more information about the Shield-a-Badge With Prayer program, contact Chaplain Michael Taylor at 704-782-7201 or submit your name, address and phone number by mail to 2675 Phaniels Church Road, Rockwell, NC 28138.
