In an expression of gratitude to the law enforcement team that brought an end to the sniper shootings that terrorized the Washington area for more than three weeks in October, the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, presented the
In an expression of gratitude to the law enforcement team that brought an end to the sniper shootings that terrorized the Washington, D.C. area for more than three weeks in October, the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, presented the 2002 Caring Heart Award to police chief Charles A. Moose.
A congregation of nearly 2,000 members, together with the family of Premkumar Walekar, a member of Sligo Church who was one of the sniper’s victims, recognized Moose for outstanding public service. Moose was presented with a crystal heart accompanied by a plaque with the engraved words “He who seeks good finds goodwill.”
“This fall…we became acquainted with fear first hand. ...We realized that evil can indeed put righteous people in its crosshairs and pull the trigger,” Sligo pastor Peter Bath said. “But we also realized and affirm the fact that the God of grace never leaves nor forsakes us…that grace triumphs over evil.”
As the program of the Sabbath service for Nov. 23 noted, Moose was being honored for “his steady demeanor, careful approach in managing the crisis team, and voice of compassion set a tone which helped keep our Washington community together during a time of escalating fear and uncertainty.” Introducing the award, Bath affirmed that “as a people of hope [we] must take back the night of fear and make a difference in how we live.”
Bath revealed that the Caring Heart Award was recommended to be given to Chief Moose by the Walekar family. Speaking at the church service, Andrea Walekar told the congregation that she and her family still grapple with the loss of her father.
Standing next to her mother, Margaret, and brother, Andrew, she reaffirmed her conviction that “God makes no mistakes, and with him all things are possible.”
“By answering our prayers, God was able to help Chief Moose find the sniper, and today we would like to thank Chief Moose and all the law enforcement for helping our community to be a safer place,” she said.
Moose expressed admiration for the family and the way they dealt with their loss. Addressing Mrs. Walekar, he said, “Your witness has blessed my heart.”
“Heaven is a better place, but sometimes it’s really painful for all of us that are still here,” he said. He affirmed the community in the midst of tragedy and that “this community has come together…and has learned and will continue to learn, and I hope that we will never forget the victims and their loved ones.”
