CASSOPOLIS — Jim Garnett, pastor of Mason Township Baptist Church, received a standing ovation from the Cass County Board of Commissioners Jan. 5 for his 12 years as a road chaplain.
Garnett, accompanied by his wife, Lisa, and four children, Micah, Caleb, Zoe and Josiah, is moving home to Vermont.
“He’s done wonderful things for us here in Cass County,” Sheriff Joe Underwood said, “and he’ll make that community a better place. We’ve been able to depend on him many nights and days, rain, sleet or snow, to help our victims in need. We’re going to miss him. He not only works with victims, but with our officers. Now, his family gets him back for more time — maybe. He’s another example of the volunteers who help take care of the county.”
“Sheriff Underwood made it an absolute joy to be a chaplain at the Cass County Sheriff’s Office,” Garnett said. “I remember one particular time coming to a horrible scene and he turned to me and said, ‘Pastor, would you pray for us right now?’ He’s a wonderful person to work for and I also thank Undersheriff (Rick) Behnke. I don’t know if this county knows how blessed it is to have you as sheriff and undersheriff. It’s been a privilege to serve Cass County for the 12 years I’ve been here, and I also thank Donna (Dominiak, Underwood’s administrative aide).”