BY SARAH STEPHENS, ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS OWNER
PHOTOS BY NILI KOSTERMAN, SARAH STEPHENS AND PUNISHERS LEMC THREE RIVERS CHAPTER
Top Photo: Austin ‘Fearless’ Booth shows his surprise as he learned he is now an honorary Millbrook Police Officer. He was officially sworn in by Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson.
We would like to introduce you to Austin Booth, the newest “honorary” member of the Millbrook Police Department.
Austin, who goes by “Fearless,” was in Millbrook with his mother Angie over the weekend to help the Punishers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club Three Rivers Chapter with their huge fundraiser for Operation Blue Santa.
Austin, 14, is from Florida, but for some time now has also been an honorary member of Punishers LEMC. He proudly wears a vest for the Punishers, with a patch that says “Protected by the Punishers.” As in all of them…across the world. The Punishers LEMC includes members that are current or former law enforcement officers, first responders, and military.
Austin became very special to the Punishers organization some time ago, when members learned he was being bullied at his school in Gainesville, Florida. They took him under their wing, and in their prayers. The Punishers even found a way to make one of Austin’s dreams come true earlier this year with a flight in a private plane.
The love and prayers that have surrounded Austin are incredible and needed.
The young man suffers from numerous medical issues, including his organs being arranged abnormally. He has a congenital heart disease, and his mother was originally told Austin would never make it past his ninth birthday. He is beating the odds, and on Saturday afternoon, he managed to meet and greet a lot of people, and even do a little dancing.
On Friday before the fundraiser, Austin wanted to visit the Millbrook Police Department for a tour, and he requested to experience being arrested. Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson was happy to oblige, and went through the process to include fingerprinting, having Austin’s mugshot taken, and locking him briefly in a holding cell.
What Austin did not know was there was a reason behind all of this. The fingerprints and photo were used to create Austin’s very own Millbrook Police Badge and credentials, naming him an honorary Millbrook police officer.
The badge and wallet were presented to Austin and his mother, Angie, during the Blue Santa fundraiser at The Thirsty Turtle Saturday. Chief Johnson swore him in officially before a huge crowd, even including “You will listen to your mother,” in the oath. He received huge cheers, a standing ovation, and more than a few of the big, strong Punishers wiped their eyes.
“I have had the privilege of meeting so many of you here today. It is amazing that you looked at the weather radar and you came anyway,” Johnson said after he was introduced. The official ride of Punishers and participants was canceled this year due to the rain. But the party continued, as well as thousands of dollars raised for Operation Blue Santa. The program, created by Millbrook Police Department Lt. Don Pugh, provides Christmas presents to area children each year.
“Just in the last three years, thanks to the Punishers, businesses and individual donations, we have raised $17,000 for Operation Blue Santa. We have bought presents for over 700 kids that would otherwise not have received those presents,” Chief said.
Johnson then welcomed Austin Booth to the stage, who had no idea what was about to happen.
Johnson said that Austin couldn’t be a police officer with an arrest record. “But I have good news Austin,” Johnson said. “I had to call Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley and he faxed me your pardon. Fearless, you are welcome to visit here in Millbrook anytime. Make sure you bring your badge and ID with you.”
We will have other stories regarding the Blue Santa event, so stay tuned. Keep those prayers coming for Austin “Fearless” Booth. With the Punishers behind you, the EAN knows you are in excellent hands.
