By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Occupation: Laboratory Courier for Rowan Regional Medical Center, retired lieutenant with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office
Background: East Spencer native.
Education: Graduated from Dunbar High, bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Shaw University (Raleigh), advanced law enforcement certifications, advanced detention center/jail certificate.
Career path/boards: Board of directors for N.C. Law Enforcement Officers Association, member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Western Star Masonic Lodge No. 9, member of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, church musician.
Family: Divorced. Two daughters, Deedre Sherrill and Angela Lindsay.
Role models: Parents John and Lucille Noble, (deceased) who supported him, especially in education. John L. Rustin Sr., “who was instrumental for helping me get started in law enforcement.” Raeford Graham, (deceased) a Salisbury Police officer who always tried to help people. Price Brown Jr., retired Salisbury Police officer, “when he spoke, everyone listened. He knew how to get people’s attention.” Harry Koontz, (deceased) played basketball with him at Dunbar High who “always stressed to be the best you can be in anything that you do.” The Rev. John Gaston, (deceased) who told him to stay out of trouble, get an education and stay in church.
A quote you live by: “Always try to treat people the way you would want to be treated.”
What legacy do you want to leave behind: “Let black kids know life is what you make it and don’t expect anyone to give you anything. Everything I got, I earned it.”
What does Barack Obama’s win as the nation’s first African-American president signify for you: “I never thought I’d see the day. We have to give a person a chance to prove themselves. I think he can make a difference for the betterment for us.”