A Lawman "Arrested" by God

              Trooper Wayne Price was an outstanding lawman with the New Jersey State Police in the 1990s.  His integrity and determination were well known—the kind of guy that pursued a suspect until he “got his man.” I met Wayne as a result of a suicide attempt, and his wife’s request for me to visit him. He was this tall, robust, and intimidating man, who had committed himself to a mental ward after several bouts with suicidal thoughts. Being a proud man, he was very reluctant to share his condition with me, but in time he began to open up.

            He related how that while driving the police cruiser, he was overwhelmed by thoughts of depression and death; there was a powerful urge to place his service revolver to his head and pull the trigger. When that failed to let up, he decided to remove the bullets from the gun, and throw them out of the car window. He then frantically drove himself to the hospital in Camden, NJ. Needless to say, as his wife’s pastor, I had a real challenge on my hands. While he was quick to receive the doctor’s medication, he strongly resisted my attempt to give him Biblical counsel. He mentioned “becoming a Christian” as a young boy, but admitted that there had never been a change in his life. After some serious discussion, I handed him a pamphlet on the need for repentant faith in Christ, and left the room.

            His dear wife took some flack for sending me to visit him. In a few days he was released from the hospital, and eventually returned to work. He later contacted me to “take issue” with the booklet on repentance. He let me know that his childhood “profession of faith,” and baptism were sufficient to make him “saved.” Not long after, his wife called to tell me that Wayne was on his hands and knees on the kitchen floor crying out to God! Needless to say, it wasn’t long before he embraced Christ in repentant faith, and called me with the news. Wow! What a turn of events!

            He began attending church with his wife, and obviously was a different man. He asked if I had more booklets on “Repentance” to hand out to his fellow troopers; he acknowledged that the teaching he had fought to the hilt, was just what he needed. He became a stalwart Christian not only at church, but in his performance as a police detective and undercover agent. Our relationship was special, and things he did for me are still ongoing.

            His new life in Christ became a source of persecution in his line of duty. It was not uncommon for other officers to attempt to bring him down by planting “porno”    magazines, etc. in his bunk at the barracks. Wayne was diligent and respected in his work, while his clear-cut testimony was met with considerable opposition.

            One brief anecdote is in order. On our church visitation night, we would go out as teams to share the Gospel with folks in the community. Wayne and Foster were partners, both being tall, husky guys. They entered a development of row homes and began knocking on doors, which is not an easy task. The “fear of man” is very prevalent, and sometimes you’re happy if no one answers the door. Foster mentioned later that the big, tough state trooper, who breaks down doors to arrest criminals, knocked at a door with trepidation. Without even waiting for someone to come to the door, Wayne said, “Let’s go, nobody’s home,” and rushed away. We laughed about that episode, which illustrates how helpless we are without God’s boldness and strength.

            Wayne touched many lives with the Gospel. His testimony was eventually featured on “Unshackled,” the radio drama of changed lives from the Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago. He faced many struggles over his later life, not the least of which was liver cancer from which he died. It was a distinct honor to conduct his funeral in Bloomsburg, PA where he had a vacation home. The respect and love of his comrades was obvious when both the New Jersey and Pennsylvania State Police combined efforts to pay tribute at his burial.

            The motorcade of fellow officers, family and friends, traveled across the Delaware River and were met by a parade of PA troopers. The caravan was so huge that a major expressway was closed for the occasion! His casket was drawn by a stately, horse-drawn coach, while a police bag-piper played “Amazing Grace.” The word “inspiring” is hardly adequate to describe that scene. That was further enhanced by a full military-gun salute, followed by a breath-taking aircraft “fly-over.”

            The above scenario points to a life of dedication to law enforcement. It also illustrates the hope we have in Christ and the triumphal entry into Heaven one day. Wayne was “arrested” by the Saviour, who then released him from the “prison house” of sin; thus, he was engaged in liberating others. Christ alone was his hope, and having passed on to Glory, he leaves behind a testament and challenge to those who remain.