The Salisbury Elks #699 honored Corporal Ryan Walker of the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday.

Lodge Exalted Ruler Kenny Martin presented Walker with two awards: the Elks Distinguished Citizen Award and the Medal and Certificate of Service Award. This is the first year that the local Elks have awarded the Medal of Service to recognize an exceptional individual who works in public safety. 

“Corporal Walker invests a lot of his off-duty and personal time,” Martin said. “We are thankful for his leadership, hard work, dedication, incredible passion and humble service to our community and beyond.” 

Walker has been with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office since 2001. He has served as a school resource officer since 2002 and is the longest-serving SRO in the Rowan-Salisbury School System. He is now the SRO at Faith Academy Charter School and is the school’s baseball coach. 

“I grew up always wanting to work in law enforcement,” Walker said. “I know our main role is to enforce the law, but it’s also important to engage with the community in a service role when we can. That’s what I enjoy most, building relationships beyond the call of duty.”

Corporal Walker is especially passionate about helping young people. In 2014, he secured private funding for Youth Leadership Camps. That included Gang Resistance Education and Awareness Training, known as G.R.E.A.T., which is held each summer during separate weeks in three areas of the county. 

He initiated the first Junior Sheriff’s Academy and started a safety camp. Walker plans and coordinates everything from publicity, logistics, food and field trips to recruiting volunteers. All camps are free thanks to grants and local donors. 

“Often kids see only one side of us because they’ve gotten into trouble, so it can be a negative interaction.” shares Walker. “The camps show a broader view of law enforcement. We can create better experiences to build trust and positive relationships with young people. “

In 2015, Corporal Walker started the first “Shop with a Cop” event in Rowan County. On a Saturday in December, young people are paired up with an officer for a day of shopping, wrapping, eating and celebrating together.

Lt. Scott Flowers is supervisor of the School Resource Officers in Rowan County.

“Ryan is always thinking about ways to engage young people with an emphasis on teaching safety, building trust and making good choices,” Flowers said. “As an SRO but also as a dad, Ryan understands the many challenges. He wants to help bridge the gap with these camps and programs. The youth are our future, and Ryan is helping better prepare them, just like his own kids.”  

Walker said its just part of doing the job he loves.

“I enjoy my time at the sheriff’s office,” Walker said. “I love what I do as a School Resource Officer. It’s my passion to do these things. I don’t do it for the recognition, but I do appreciate the Salisbury Elks and these special awards. I also want to say a special thanks to my wife, Michelle. I couldn’t do all of this without her by my side.” 

When Sheriff Travis Allen thinks of Walker, he thinks of more than just a good deputy.

“Ryan is a selfless individual,” Allen said. “He cares about others first and devotes a lot of his time and energy to positively impact their lives. He and his family are always involved with Shop with a Cop during the holidays as well as the summer camps and programs. On a professional and personal level, Ryan has a servant’s heart. That’s why he does what he does with so much passion and commitment for others.”

About 75 members and guests attended the luau-themed celebration facilitated by James Green and his Elks team. Member Yolanda Bynum catered the event and DJ Ted Oglesby of Perfect Entertainment led the crowd with music and dancing.  

In addition to honoring Walker, Martin presented Certificates of Appreciation Awards to lodge members: Nelson Fox, Debbie Bost, Robert Schmidt, and Joe Dunn. Kathy Ender and Liz Tennent each received Outstanding Service Commendation Awards. Julie Caldwell was selected Officer of the Year and James Green was chosen Elk of the Year. Debbie Martin, who is starting her 10th year as Lodge Secretary, was recognized for her time and extensive service with the lodge. Ray Paradowski, Past Elks District Deputy and Past ER, congratulated Kenny Martin with the 2023/2024 Exalted Ruler Award for his exceptional service and leadership.