A Marshall County teen is doing his part to see that the local sheriff’s department has what he believes all law enforcement agencies should: a flag.
Wyatt Moshure, a 16-year-old Boy Scout who has achieved Life Scout status, is working to obtain and install a flag pole for the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department. The project, he said, will help him meet the requirements of reaching an Eagle rank by the time he turns 18.
Life Scouts working toward Eagle rank must complete a number of activities demonstrating good citizenship and leadership skills, as well as plan, develop, lead and execute an extensive community service project, according to Boy Scouts of America. The project must be a nonprofit endeavor.
It’s about more than meeting a requirement for Moshure, though.
“I thought it was a very good project to do because it kind of surprised me that the sheriff’s office did not have a flag pole,” Moshure said. “… I feel like every sheriff’s office or police station deserves a flag pole. That’s one thing they’re there to do and protect, they enforce the law, and to me it just seems very silly that don’t all have one. So I’m making sure they get one.”
Moshure has been working on the project since about February, securing material donations and raising funds for the effort. Marshall County School District has donated the flag pole itself, courtesy of the former Benton Middle School, Moshure said. The MCHS junior to be said he was working to secure funds or materials for a marble slab and light, as well as planning installation. He hopes to complete work and host a public flag ceremony in August.
Sheriff Kevin Byars said it was an addition his department would welcome.
“I don’t understand why this building was built that a flag pole was not put out at the sheriff’s office,” Byars said. “Because it’s something I don’t think of all the time for a budgetary item, I just didn’t think to put it in to get one done. So I’m just tickled to death that we’re going to have one out here. I like displaying the flag … you’ll notice over at the judicial building we have a POW flag flying, and I’d love to put something like that up, as well, to honor our veterans and our military folks. Without them I wouldn’t be here doing what I’m doing.”
Byars has assisted some in Moshure’s efforts, driving him to various locations to solicit donations. Moshure’s drive and commitment were qualities he admired in a community youth.
“Good kid,” Byars said. “… He’s very well-driven. I mean, he’s a sophomore and he can’t get Eagle Scout status until he turns 18, but his mindset is ‘I want to get all of this ahead of the game,’ he said because most of them wait until a month or two before and really rush. He said, ‘I don’t want to do that,’ he said, ‘I want to have it planned out to where when it comes time for the Eagle Scout, I’m prepared and I’ve got everything done.’ So, he seems like a very motivated, driven young man who knows what he wants and knows how to go get it.”
Donations may be made to the project via mail or hand delivery to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, 52 Judicial Drive, Benton, KY 42025. Checks should have “Eagle project” written in the memo line.