Brave, loyal, enduring...

Marshall County commissioners honored a lawman on Monday "for his professionalism, concern for his fellow man, dedication to duty and courage," according to the resolution adopted without dissent.

Sheriff Les Helton's patrol captain, Phil Blackwell, will be retiring after 34 years of service at the Marshall County Sheriff's Department. There's a reception for him from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday at the sheriff's office.

Blackwell's also known as the night shift supervisor, a duty post that seldom gets the spotlight, but where a slice of life that's rarely made public can be seen.

...Pick up a copy of today's edition, Friday, June 27, 2008 for entire article.