Sgt. Jason Kelley, of the Kent County Sheriff Department Cedar Springs Unit, was presented with a shield of faith by Randy Badge (right), with the Men of Honor program. Photo by T. Bauer.

By Tim Bauer

On Thursday, November 12, Sgt. Jason Kelley, who is stationed in Cedar Springs with the Kent County Sheriff Department, attended an after school program to speak to a group of our middle school young men about courage. The program, headed up by Randy Badge, is called Men of Honor. (There is also a Ladies of Honor program). It focuses on reviving chivalry, honor, courageous leadership, and moral excellence in the next generation, by utilizing a three-pronged strategy of camps, conferences and curriculum. The group wanted to honor our local police officers for their selfless service within the greater Cedar Springs area. By putting into action what they have been taught, the group hopes that other communities will hear about this and do the same thing.

A Shield of Faith was presented to Sgt. Kelley, and the rest of the officers stationed in our city, as a token of appreciation for their daily commitment to protect the citizens of our community. Badge, a teacher at Cedar Springs High School, believes in the vital importance of teaching timeless principles of integrity and character in those who will become our next generation of leaders. Thank you Randy Badge and Sergeant Kelley for your invaluable service to our community. The citizens of Cedar Springs salute you!

To find out more go to http://themenofhonor.org/.