I’ve heard it said

That people come into our lives

For a reason

Bringing something we must learn

And we are led

To those who help us most to grow

If we let them

And we help them in return

— Stephen Schwartz

Come October, one of the good ones, will take his last professional bow, but not before he can be recognized for his good work and service to the community.

Marshalltown Police Department Capt. Mike Hanken has received a few accolades lately, and it is hardly a surprise to nearly anyone who knows him that he deserves all this recognition as his retirement draws near.

This past month, Mike was honored with the 2018 Morning Optimists’ Ron Galloway Respect for Law Award for this his career; and during a recent Child Abuse Prevention Services’ appreciation rally, he received special recognition for his empathy and hard work on a case involving a 2-year-old child who died after enduring severe physical trauma.

Back in November of 2015, Mike was recognized, along with three other law enforcement officers, with the MPD Meritorious Service Award, for their efforts in helping to save the life of man who threatened to jump off the Highway 30 bridge over South Center Street in Marshalltown.

I know I’m just scratching the surface when it comes to highlighting the dedicated service of Mike Hanken, but I wanted to offer my congratulations and some kudos to someone I consider a close friend.

There’s a lot of bad press about law enforcement — some of it warranted, most of it not. Mike Hanken is exceptional and we’re better for having him in our community for nearly 34 years.

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Here’s another good one — newly retired MPD Sgt. Rick Lang.

Lang signed off for the last time with the MPD a week ago.

T-R Staff Writer Adam Sodders wrote a heartfelt piece about Rick, a 27-year veteran of the MPD and a former U.S. Marine.

Adam did a great job of capturing Rick’s story, emphasizing that in a challenging career, Rick was always able to find the “positive stuff.” If you missed it in our print edition, go to the T-R’s website and take a look at it (http://www.timesrepublican.com/news/todays-news/2018/04/finding-the-positive-stuff).

Interestingly enough, Lang was also the recipient of the Morning Optimists’ Ron Galloway Respect for Law Award last year.

Congratulations Rick and enjoy your retirement!

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I cannot sew. If I lose a button on my shirt, and I hate to admit this, I usually solicit the help of a friend to get out their needle and thread and make the minor repair.

But those whose talents involving needles and thread, or a sewing machine, was again on display last weekend as members of the Central Iowa Quilt Sew-ciety (CIQS) presented 14 Iowa Veterans Home residents with his or her own handmade Quilt of Valor.

This program continues to grow as members of the public recognize the importance of honoring our men and women who have served our country. These quilts provide comfort and hopefully reflect our gratitude for these heroes.

More than 130 quilts have been presented to area veterans, according to the CIQS, but there are plenty more veterans deserving of this recognition.

To learn more about the CIQS, attend one of its meetings. The group meets the first Tuesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. It holds two Quilts of Valor events each year: a springtime one at IVH and one in the fall.

The group estimates the cost of completing a Quilt of Valor to be around $200 each. Contributions to help defray costs may be sent to the CIQS at: P.O. Box 1755, Marshalltown. For more information on the CIQS, visit: centraliaquiltsew-ciety.webs.com. Program Director Marvis Drew may be reached at (641) 474-2373 or marvisd@heartofiowa.net

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Finally, here’s to Tom McCoy and the Advocates for Marshall County Rescue Personnel.

To date, they have raised roughly $67,000 of the $100,000 in their “Vests for the Best” project. They are seeking to help fund the purchase of ballistic protective equipment for First Responders throughout the county, be it for law enforcement, firefighters or EMTs.

The committee’s efforts, and numerous and generous donations from different groups and individuals will make a difference in the lives of those men and women whose job it is to protect and help us in times of crisis.

Another fundraiser by the AMCRP is planned — a trivia night at the American Legion at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 12. For more information, go to the AMCRP’s Facebook page, to see how you can participate.

Otherwise, Tom and committee continue to welcome donations to help meet their goal. Donations can be submitted to the City of Marshalltown or dropped off or mailed to McCoy at: 8 North 1st Ave., Suite 7, Marshalltown.

Checks payable to the City of Marshalltown; in the memo line write “Vests for the Best.”

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Contact Jeff Hutton at 641-753-6611 or jhutton@timesrepublican.com