From Bates County Sheriff Chad Anderson:
"Today I had the honor of religious leaders from all over the county meeting me and my staff at the flag pole at the Office. This group of leaders were there to pray over all my staff. We prayed for Officer safety and for leadership to provide the citizens of Bates County the services the Sheriffs Office provides.
When I took office at midnight January 1st, 2009 a small group came into the Office lobby 15 minutes later. They told me that they knew that I was legally sworn in by the county but they wanted to "Pray me into Office". That night they gathered around me and asked that God lead me in my decisions at the Office. I contribute my success and that of the Sheriffs Office to the fact that in reality I have been leading my Office with direction from above. (He has also kept me alive through so much lol).
Today's group again prayed us into office. I'm honored to lead this group and to do my best to lead in a manner that would be pleasing to God. Thank you to those that attended and thank you to those that could not attend but took time to pray at 1:30 today. I hope we make you proud."
