Detective Gary McFadden ... He has my Vote!!

Detective Gary McFadden is a living legend .

There are not many men like him. McFadden spent two decades as a homicide investigator with the Charlotte, North Carolina Police Department. His job was never 9 to 5 with assigned breaks. He witnessed the end results of some of the most brutal killings in the metro area. More importantly, he witnessed the hurt it brought to family members and friends. He spent his time off either bonding with his wife and children, tending to his two favorite hobbies - grilling out or fly fishing, or speaking out against crime. Detective McFadden continues to speak at local churches, schools, street corners, community gatherings, homeless shelters, prisons, and on the streets of low income housing. He makes a difference in lives of the people he meets and talks with.

I have read several articles by Kevin Ziechmann, Cleve R. Wootsen, Jr., and Gary L. Wright of the Charlotte Observer. I have also seen a few video clips that have been posted on the internet about McFadden.

Two stories about Detective Gary McFadden are favorites of mine. Gary McFadden made a promise to a 7 year old girl after her father had been brutally murdered during a failed robbery at a fast food restaurant in 1997. The young girl's father was working at the restaurant to help pay for her brother's college tuition. McFadden knew the young girl would be scarred for life and he made a promise to her. He promised her many years ago - "I'll always be here for you". He kept in touch with her throughout her young life, her teenage years, and just recently, presented Angela, the young bride to her new husband.

Another story worth mentioning occurred when Detective McFadden was still a young detective. While investigating a case, someone gave McFadden a $5 bill and asked if they might buy his lunch. Gary McFadden took that $5 and put in the file with a small paper clip. It is still there today. Rather than pocket the cash, Mr. McFadden had the integrity to place it in the file as "police property". I am sure he thanked the donor with all of his heart, but simply felt the money was not his.

These two simple stories tell a lot about this man and what he stands for. I would vote for this man to be my mayor, the mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina. I would vote for this man to be the governor, senator, or state representative of North Carolina. I'd even vote for this man to be the President of these United States. Integrity ... you just don't find it very often these days ... especially among elected officials. Sad but true. I don't believe you would have to worry about this man passing legislation for his benefit. I believe Gary McFadden would do what was best for this community ... this state ... this nation.

Truth be told ... we need more people like him.

Gary G. Gleason
Legal Justice Corporation
www.legaljusticecorp.com