A little more than three years ago, everyone in Talen McAllister’s family was eagerly awaiting his arrival.  Just weeks before his mom was to give birth, she was involved in an automobile accident and Talen entered our world earlier than expected. 

With advanced medical technology, lots of love from his family and many answered prayers, Talen gained enough strength to go home from the hospital to sleep in his own crib in a nursery that was decorated months earlier.

Talen celebrated his third birthday in May.  He has had to undergo four major brain surgeries but that has not deterred him from smiling every day.  He laughs, plays, walks and runs although he does not have the use of his left arm.  Talen loves watching television shows with police and always wants to talk to police officers.

Talen lives in Cross County and is the nephew of Saline County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chris Winberry.  Deputy Winberry made a request that Sheriff Rodney Wright make Talen an Honorary Deputy with the Saline County Sheriff’s Office.  Sheriff Wright and his team wanted to do more than that for Talen.

SCSO Corporal Gary Robertson, Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) president for the Saline County lodge and SCSO Corporal Ed Clements, FOP president for the Pulaski County lodge were kind enough to make donations for the purchase of a Dodge Charger Ride-in Police Car.  This morning two SCSO deputies assembled that car in the squad room.  The car has flashing lights, a real working megaphone, and an electronic siren.  It can travel up to 5 mph.

The car, along with other police-related items provided by the SCSO, will be transported to Cross County on Saturday morning by Deputy Winberry.  Cross County Sheriff J.R. Smith has requested that before Deputy Winberry enters into his county, that he be contacted.  Sheriff Smith will provide a police escort with two of his deputies to Talen’s residence.

Over the past year, the law enforcement community has faced increased scrutiny around the nation.  It is important to recognize the positive contributions that are made, day after day, by the men and women who make up that community.  This team effort, between the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, the Saline County and Pulaski County Fraternal Orders of Police and the Cross County Sheriff’s Office is a good example of law enforcement establishing stronger confidence with the public.