Public service can be costly. We prosecuted gang members and protestors came to the courthouse and cussed me. I’ve had prisoners try to disbar me. They’ve sued me. Bloggers who would be welcome anytime to meet with me to discuss their concerns prefer to berate me anonymously. A post card from an unrevealed source was mailed to thousands of homes falsely suggesting that I’m gay.

Yes, public service can be costly.

But, look at the rewards!

This past term of court we prosecuted two armed robbers. They had taken money at gunpoint from a teenage boy at an ATM. The boy was terrified. He left his bike as he fled on foot and somebody stole the bike.

One of the robbers pled guilty in the middle of the trial. He got 15 years. The jury convicted the other. Judge Johnnie Caldwell sentenced him to 20 years.

We decided to try to get the boy another bike. Michelle Ivey, our Victim Advocate, went to Wal-Mart. The good people there wouldn’t let us pay for a bicycle. Instead, they donated one. Somebody else gave us a helmet.

Friday we went to the boy’s house. He didn’t know we were coming. We asked him to walk outside with us. When we opened the door to the SUV, he saw it. A brand new, gleaming, royal blue 5-speed.

Did I mention that I love public service?