Excellence

It is not unusual for a police officer to write out a ticket. It is unusual when the chief of police writes out a ticket. And it is extremely rare when the chief of police writes himself a ticket, and that is exactly what happened. Richard Knoebel, the police chief in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, was on his way to work on a wide four lane road. He became distracted when a truck decided to pull over to the side of the street and stop. As he passed the truck he then noticed the flashing red lights and stop sign posted on the bus on the other side of the street. It was too late to stop, and there wasn’t anything he could do. He couldn't do anything except stop and write out a $235.00 citation on himself. He knew as a representative of the law that failure to stop for a school bus is a violation. He knew anyone violating the law receives a citation. Knoebel then added, "Why should it be any different for the chief of police?" He also received a penalty on his insurance with a moving violation and he deducted four points on his license.

This event happened in 2007. I guess you are wondering why I am writing about it now. I am glad you asked. On the way to Alabama last week I heard this story over the radio. Knoebel in the last two years has won several awards and recognitions and the story is now a global story. Isn't it interesting that someone doing the right thing is so unusual. Someone who governs himself is national news. Don’t you wish that Richard Knoebel had been the CEO of AIG. (Or how about Enron or Worldcom) Don't you wish he ran Madoff's Hedge Fund?

On Sunday morning we are studying the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus calls his disciples to a higher degree of righteousness. He calls us salt and light. When we live the Christ life we will shine like stars. People notice. Our world is blessed!

March 11, 2009