To the Editor:

About six weeks ago this community was in a state of shock, anger and disgust over what had occurred at the Higdon home as the family attended the funeral of their loved one. We realized something had to be done and could be done to prevent this from becoming the usual happening in Grayson County.

Within three weeks, the first meeting was held and the group which came to be known as Looking Out For Each Other (LOFEO) was formed. From the very beginning this effort received overwhelming support from city, county and state law officials as well as area funeral directors and ministers. Individuals were quick to say they wanted to help in any way they could, wherever needed. It has been amazing!

Our second meeting, three weeks later, produced enough volunteers to cover our present needs. We all agree that we need to press on until all of our Grayson County residents are aware of the danger of leaving the home of the bereaved family unattended while they are at the funeral. Most everyone has a friend, relative or neighbor who would be very willing to help out in this situation. If they don’t have anyone for this then a volunteer can be made available through the funeral director.

None of our success to this point would have been possible without freely given help by so many. Many thanks go to our city, county and state officials. County Attorney Clay Ratley has offered advice and support along the way and we thank him. Sheriff Rick Clemons has been wonderful in helping with background checks and ID badges. He and his deputies have attended meetings, lending support just by their presence. Their continued interest and backup in our efforts shall be appreciated and we are very grateful. Kentucky State Police Master Trooper Norman Chaffins has been and remains a strong pillar of support and we extend our thanks to him. Leitchfield Police Chief Bart Glenn came on board early and is equally committed to this effort. Thank you, Chief Glenn.

Very important to this effort will be funeral directors and area ministers, as they will be first to have contact with a bereaved family. The commitment from funeral directors has been “We see the need and we are with you, we’ll do our part.” We cannot say thanks big enough for this. Another thank you to Pastor Johnnie Long, Rev. Lee Shroerlucke and the Ministerial Association for the help they will be giving. Your help as we go forward is so very much appreciated.

Many thanks go to The Leitchfield Woman’s Club and Marjorie Woodard for their offer of help. Each time someone has stepped up like this, it has made the journey a little easier.

Getting the word out, making everyone aware was and is our main goal. From the beginning we have received tremendous help from the media. Deserving our thanks on this are Fox 41 TV reporter Rachael Collier for their coverage, WKHG Radio reporter Missy Thomas, Elizabethtown News Enterprise editor Ben Sheroan, The Record and reporter DeAnna Lashley, and The News-Gazette and reporters Brittany Wise and Rebecca Morris for all the write-ups, space and ink. Look back and see the great effort all these people put into this. With this kind of help we have a very good start in the effort to make our county a better, safer place to live. Remember to say “Thank you” when you see these people around town.

I’ve waited until last to THANK the most important of all —- those of you who took time out of your busy lives and came to the meetings. Eagerly you signed up to volunteer to Look Out For Each Other. By this effort you have displayed love for our community and caring spirits of neighborliness that speaks volumes. Our efforts are just beginning and we have a very good start and quickly too. We only had two meetings to get this done and we all know going forth what our mission is and that is to tell three people every day, asking those to tell three more people and so on. This is something everybody can do. We can all go to work now and together make a difference.

More than likely someone’s name has been left out. That is not my intention, so I’ll ask forgiveness now. Just as we have asked God’s blessings on our efforts, now and in the future, be sure that even though your name does not appear here, you will be rewarded with His blessings. Please call me at (270) 242 2065 if you have questions or comments.

Thank You Sincerely, one and all,

Clydean Cooper