Justin Holder- Bob Parks Realty

Thanks, Murfreesboro Police Department

My Letter to the Editor from today's paper.  We should be very proud of our police force. 

Last week, I had the rare opportunity, through Leadership Rutherford, to do a ride-along with Murfreesboro Police Officer Travis Henderson through an entire Saturday night patrol shift.

When I mentioned to others that I'd be taking this ride, I was told I would see the worst of parts of Murfreesboro. However, I actually ended up seeing quite the opposite. The area that we patrolled all evening was statistically and historically the highest rated in crime activity. It was an area that would probably be, for most, one of the last zones that an officer would want to regularly tackle, much less specifically request. That was not the case in Officer Henderson's assignment. Following regular patrol training, Henderson requested to stay in this area/zone.

Throughout the evening, I met more officers that weren't merely in their assigned area, but in their area of expertise. As Officer Henderson said, this is his office. He's on each of those streets daily. He knows the cars, he knows the houses and he knows the families. He's built relationships with those folks, not merely as the patrolling officer, but as one of the officers that has a genuine care and concern for his community.

I appreciate these officers for looking much beyond what could be considered a mere obligation, to what is an opportunity — an opportunity to make a big difference. Thanks for showing me one of the best parts of Murfreesboro — folks like Officer Henderson who intentionally improve our city daily.

Good friend receives well deserved honor

Though he may not be 12 years old anymore (as seen in this photo) or may not wash dishes (as often), my good friend Peter Demos continues to raise the bar in the restaurant industry. 

If you live in Murfreesboro, have visited here, or even driven through...most likely you've seen the Demos' billboards boasting something like "Voted Favorite Restaurant in Rutherford County for ___years."  I cannot remember how many years, but you get the gist-basically since forever.  The Demos family continually serves up dishes of honor, integrity and respect. 

Peter was featured this past week in the Nashville Business Journal centering not only on his involvement in his company, but also a recent mission Peter has been pursuing.  A mission that involves the skewed system of unemployment law.  Read all about it by CLICKING HERE. 

Peter is well deserving of this honor for many reasons, but especially for always having the chutzpah to stand up for what you believe, regardless of what's popular or convenient. 

By the way, if you haven't visited Demos' lately, you'll have to break bread with them soon.  They've just introduced an expanded menu that will make you want to visit their table even more often!    

Quite an experience

Yesterday was quite an experience as we went through another day of Leadership Rutherford.  As usual, it was a jam packed day.  We went from meeting with the folks at the Murfreesboro Fire Department to meeting with Judge Don Ash, Chancellor Corlew and the amazing Judge Donna Scott Davenport. 

Following the spots on the square, we went over and toured the county work house and the new jail as well...which is progressing quickly. 

Then came the real excitement-as we were on the way to tour the County jail, our bus was hijacked.  A man came on to the bus letting us know he was taking control of the group.  After the bus driver rounded the next corner, the Rutherford County Sheriff's Department had their swat team ready and stormed the bus! Talk about a wild experience!  The threw in flash bombs, jumped on the side of the bus with suction  cups and flooded the inside of the bus.  Of course, it was a big setup, but none less tense.  Thanks to all the folks we met with for a great experience!