‘Put God first’ Ward tells DHS graduates

“Folks talk about change in this world, change in this community,” Col. Charles Ward told Daleville High School graduating seniors. “But folks, it starts with you—each and everyone of you.”

An Ozark native who retired April 30 after some three decades of public service, Ward served most recently as the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Department of Public Safety Director.

He was the keynote speaker at the Baccalaureate Service for the DHS graduating class hosted by Daleville Baptist Church Sunday, May 23.

The service began with a welcome from the DHS Senior Class President Cameron Giles and Daleville Baptist Church Pastor Jim Peters and an invocation by Rev. Bill Mansfield, pastor at the Daleville Assembly of God.

DHS graduating seniors Storm Turley and Shakyra Pollard gave the Old and New Testament readings and special music was provided by graduating seniors “Alana Gordon and the Senior Class Singers.”

Following their acapella rendition of “Lean on me,” Ward told those attending the service that he knew the group was going on a professional musical performance tour and that he was volunteering to be their bus driver.

Ward was appointed ALEA’s Department of Public Safety Acting Director in November 2016 and then Director in May 2017. He served as a member of ALEA/DPS since 1985, working his way up the ranks from Highway Patrol. Ward also spent some time in Protective Services and the Office of Inspection.

In May 2015, Ward was promoted to Highway Patrol Major. He was recognized for leading the Dothan Post in DUI arrests in 1986; was named 1987 Trooper of the Year by the Dothan Optimist Club; and was named the 2005 Alabama Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Alabama Attorney General. Gov. Kay Ivey appointed Ward in Jan. 11, 2019, to the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission. 

“Forty-one years ago I was sitting in Ozark in a service just like this wondering what I was going to do with the rest of my life,” Ward said. “If you had told me how far I was going to move in my life, I would have told you you were crazy. God has helped me every step of the way.

“Begin and end each day in prayer,” Ward advised. “You can do great things with Jesus on your side. Y’all can change the world.”

Quoting from the Bible Book of Luke, chapter 12, verse 48, Ward reminded the soon-to-be graduates that “To whom much is given, much is required.

“I’m standing here looking at you right now and I don’t know if I am seeing the next president of the United States, mayor, police or fire chief. I might be looking at somebody who comes up with the next cure for cancer,” he told the seniors. “Don’t sell yourself short. Y’all have something to be proud of. You came through school at a rough time. Just remember Jesus loves you, remember that for yourself.”

A self-described “simple man,” Ward said that the song “Jesus loves me,” has been a constant in his life.

“I was saved when I was nine years old and this one song I have carried with me every step of the way,” he said. “If you trust in Jesus, he will lead and guide you. He will open doors for you that you did not think you were going to have the opportunity to go through.

“You probably wondering why I am telling you all this,” Ward said. “Because it’s easy to get saved but the true test is going to be whether you can endure. That is what I am going to challenge each and everyone of you. Stay the course, don’t quit and never give up. You be the positive influence.

“If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride and never quit, you’ll be a winner,” Ward said quoting renowned University of Alabama Football Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. “The price of victory is high but so are the rewards.

“May God bless you,” the longtime law officer added. “And may God do great things in your life.”