Alyssa Ridenour
reporter@greenepublishing.com
“Leadership is an opportunity to serve. It is not a trumpet call to self-importance.” -J. Donald Walters
David Harper has been married to his high school sweetheart, Jennifer Dickinson Harper, for almost 18 years. The pair is blessed with two sons: 12-year-old Brett and Blayne, who will turn nine this May. “I cherish every moment I get to spend with my wife and sons,” said Harper. Harper loves to spend quality time with his family, no matter what that may be. “Maybe we are at the ball field, or we are all piled up on the bed, watching a movie, dogs included,” Harper added. “Sometimes I am awake at night and find comfort in knowing they are resting peacefully without fear or worries, simply because I am my wife's husband and I am my boys' dad. They are my responsibility, and I love them with my entire being.”
Harper spent his entire life in Madison County and holds the community close to his heart. As a dedicated law enforcement officer for over 20 years, he has served as a protector of the people of Madison for most of his adult life. Harper hopes to continue serving the community and leading by example for up and coming officers. “As a husband and father, it is my duty and sole responsibility to provide safety and security for my family,” said Harper. “As a law enforcement officer, it is my duty and responsibility to provide that same safety and security for the people of Madison County.”
Harper is 44-years-old, with a lot of energy and motivation. He can be described as committed, determined and passionate. He is committed to serving his community, determined to make a difference and passionate about his calling to serve. Harper enjoys interacting with the people of Madison, particularly the youth. He takes pride in seeing the young succeed and does everything he can to offer support and guidance. “Our community is everyone's responsibility,” said Harper. “By serving as Sheriff, I am blessed to have this platform that can truly make a difference on a broad scale but more importantly, on a personal level with those seeking help.”
As sheriff, one of the many challenges Harper faces is recruitment. He recalls a time when employment opportunities in law enforcement only presented themselves when someone retired. However, times have changed, and it is now a rarity for a law enforcement agency to be fully staffed. Due to this, many agencies are hiring whoever they can to help. Harper explained that this allows people to enter the force who may not be suited for it, and these individuals can taint the badge by not acting and carrying themselves appropriately. Harper discussed the difference between the applicants who have dreamt of being a cop since childhood and the applicants who are just looking for a paycheck. The law enforcement career path is not appropriate for those who just want a job and do not have the deep rooted passion to serve.
Harper expressed his gratitude for the men and women serving in the Madison County Sheriff's Office. His main goal, as sheriff, is to develop a more community-oriented agency. He strives to lead an organization that is transparent and will hold itself accountable. He aims to provide the citizens of Madison County with professional service and safety, create partnerships within the community and develop positive relationships with the youth in the county. “When my time is up, whenever that may be, I would like to be remembered as a man that loved God, his family, his community and his country,” said Harper. “A man who was committed to Madison County and passionate about the Madison County Sheriff's Office.”