I’ve learned something. Criminals have a preconceived notion about the reaction of the community to their criminal acts. Many of them think we have so much money that we don’t really care if they steal from us. They badly underestimate our resolve to protect victims of violence. They expect most Fayette residents to look the other way while they take and sell illegal drugs.

I wish all of them could see what I saw Thursday night.

Hundreds of people came to the Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet. There were deputies from four counties in their brown uniforms. Police from every city in the circuit wore blue. There was an all-star color guard including twelve officers from the various departments. Legislators, commissioners, council members, and judges stood respectfully as a fireman played “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes as a tribute to law enforcement officers killed or injured in duty.

The Fayette Republicans and employees of the Board of Elections served barbeque. The Fayette Civitans helped park hundreds of cars. United Bank, The Fayette Kiwanis Club, and about a dozen other sponsors completely paid for the banquet. The Fayetteville First Baptist Church opened its doors and welcomed us without charge.

We read from essays submitted by fifth graders praising the men and women of law enforcement. We swelled with pride as a slideshow portrayed peace officers in action. The family of the late Robert Groninger, who was tragically murdered two years ago, gave a scholarship to a high school senior who plans to study criminal justice.

There was a standing ovation for Sheriff Randall Johnson, who plans to retire after serving us for over three decades. Before the night was over, there were four other standing ovations.

Yes, I wish the criminals could see what I saw. They would have seen a community unified in its determination to fight what is evil and support what is good.

And then I wish they could talk to Michael Gooden. He’s the guy who put a gun into the mouth of a woman and shot her twice, before opening fire upon Fayetteville Police Officer Kevin Ingram. Fortunately, both victims survived. The glare of twelve Fayette jurors prompted Gooden to plead guilty this morning on the second day of trial. Judge Johnnie Caldwell gave him forty years.

Maybe we need a billboard at the county line that simply displays the expressions of twelve Fayette County jurors.