For the first time in 20 years, Police Chief Tim Ledbetter was not in front of a parade in Pea Ridge. He and his wife, Teresa, were passengers in the Model A Ford owned and driven by Charles Crabtree. Ledbetter was selected to be grand marshal by Beta Alpha, sponsor of the parade.
Ledbetter, hired in April 1995, is retiring Feb. 1, 2015.
"For his service to the community and especially the work with the parades," James Crews of Beta Alpha said about the club's selection of the chief.
"I was honored that I was asked," Ledbetter said emotionally, "but I did it for Ruth, Ruthie Talburt. She was so instrumental in the sorority, in serving her community, that I wanted to do that for her." (Mrs. Ruth Talburt died Dec. 24, 2011.)
Referred to as a "working chief" by his officers, Ledbetter began his career in law enforcement in 1985 in Harrison. He came to Pea Ridge from Tahlequah, Okla., in April 1995.
"I had a calling to do that, to become a police officer. I felt like I wanted to be able to help people," Ledbetter said.
Recently, two women were stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire. Ledbetter checked on them, enlisted the aid of a local tire shop and paid for the repair himself.
"I believe a lot of people believe that police work is a thankless job. Over the years, I've been shown kindness from the people I've been involved with," he said.
Ledbetter has traditionally driven his police vehicle at the front of all Pea Ridge parades -- the fair, homecoming and Christmas -- and his officers have blocked all roads for the parade route, then falling in to bring up the end of the parade.
"I was asked by a member of Beta Alpha to be the grand marshal this year; I was taken aback by it to begin with, I think there are many more worthy people. It was an honor I would not refuse."
Community on 12/10/2014