To enter the gateway of Yokena, you must first be acquainted with its history. There are many families in Yokena that can trace their roots back several generations; I am one of those few. Because of this heritage, we find that Yokena is not only our home and community it’s a part of us. But in the last few years, Yokena has fell victim to crime unbecoming this historic community we love so much.
This past November, our home was burglarized by common thieves and many items were stolen. After finding our home ransacked that evening, I called 911 and within 20 minutes Deputy Dustin Keyes arrived and took control of the incident!
Patrol sergeant Ford Emery arrived minutes later and Investigator Mike Traxler was in constant communication with Ford upon his arrival. Within the next few hours, these three heroes and other County Officers had apprehended, jailed these thieves, and recovered 75 to 80% of our possessions. By the next morning Detective Traxler had recovered many items that were very dear to me. My husband and I commend these three Champions! Without their perseverance and willingness to capture these heartless thieves and recover our possessions we would have lost much. I pray for the safety of our Law Enforcement daily – without their selfless service humanity would be lost.
Morality and principles of yesteryear has vanished from today’s society. Society is producing a generation of immoral and entitled criminals with no concern for their actions and no concern for the debauchery they create! I believe in our justice system, I believe rules and laws are made NOT to be broken, and I believe these common thieves should pay for their felony!
Reverend Daniels, our former Minister at Yokena Presbyterian Church would preach. “Always forgive someone who has wronged you” and never say “I forgive you, but I won’t forget the harm you caused me.” Reverend Daniels preached this many times through the years, something I will never forget. I forgive these thieves and eventually I will forget how they violated our home and possessions. But most of all, I am thankful that I have my precious father in Heaven who teaches me to forgive and forget.
Liddelle Smith Ditto
Yokena