At the Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Monday, January 26, Rhonda Kelly was proud to announce this year’s Citizen of the Year, Don Moore.
To introduce him, Kelly stated, “The Clarke County Citizen of the Year should be a person who lives, works, and raises their family right here in Clarke County, someone who loves Clarke County, who cares about their friends and neighbors and the people who live here. This person wants to see Clarke County grow and flourish for the betterment of its people. During just about any weekend, on just about any road in Clarke County, you can encounter this man stopping vehicles, checking licenses and tags, to which I often accuse him of politicking. He usually is politicking. He was politicking in this last election for his current position, and this is just one of his jobs that he does. He’s had several, and he’s yet to fail at the first one. He’s just an all-around good guy. He’s a family man. His wife and him have been married for 40 years together. They have three children and eight grandchildren who are the love of his life. When asked, Sheriff Anthony Chancelor said, ‘I couldn’t think of a better person to be nominated for Clarke County Citizen of the Year. His work ethic is second to none, and I’ve seen it in action. He’s good to all people and treats people fairly. These qualities are paramount to the public safety profession.’ This person worked for EMEPA for 26 years, full-time, while working part-time in law enforcement. Then, in his retirement at the age of 59, he decided to take on the police academy. There were people who thought he would fail, but through grit and determination, he succeeded. Currently, he wears many hats under the public safety profession umbrella: Clarke County Constable Place Two, Chief of Police of Enterprise, Chief of Police of Stonewall, and a deputy for the Clarke County Sheriff's Office. You might ask, when does he have time to sleep? Well, he doesn’t require much sleep. When does he have time for his hobbies? He loves restoring old cars and makes time to play around in his garage. He takes vacation time each year and makes sure that he does during Cruising on the Coast, and usually he’s driving his restored 1950 black and white police car. He always has a servant’s heart, and that’s one of the many things that people love about him. His phone rings constantly, and it’s very few times that it’s not answered. He doesn’t say no to anybody that needs help. His wife laughs when she says, ‘I’m probably the only one he says no to.’ If you don’t know what a special man he is, just visit the Clarke County Jail. Ask any trustee or almost any inmate and they’ll tell you he has a heart for those who are there. His motto is ‘But by the grace of God that wasn’t me, and if it had been, I would want to be shown compassion.’ On any given Sunday morning after he takes his buddies breakfast, you will find him riding through the area church parking lots to make sure each church is safe. Although he wasn’t originally from Clarke County, neither was I. It has been his home for a long time. He and his wife have had a wonderful 40 years of marriage, where it is a partnership. They made a home where they have raised their children and now are helping raise a second generation with the loves of their lives, those beautiful grandchildren. He spent a lot of time protecting the citizens of Clarke County and building an amazing work ethic while earning respect in his various positions. One thing I’ve noticed about him is whenever you speak to him, he smiles and speaks back. He’s very respectful, and he seems to love his job and everyone he meets. He’s well-known in our area. His wife says her husband has a big old heart, and it never calls for attention. Ladies and gentlemen, your Clarke County Citizen of the Year, Mr. Don Moore.”
Don was grateful for the award and was touched by the kind words said about him.
“Thank you all very much,” expressed Don. “I enjoy what I do and hope to do it for many more years. I enjoy seeing each one of y’all come through the road block and hope you have your stuff together with you. I really enjoyed my career with the power company, and I told them the other day that my phone didn’t ring the first time this weekend. Thank you all.”
