Tuesday night, May 2, was an important night when officer Robert Littlejohn was pinned sergeant at the Richmond Hill monthly City Council meeting. What made this evening so special?
It marked the story of a man starting a new and special phase in his life,a story of love, overcoming difficulties, growing in this profession and growing in his personal life. This night marked a new life in Richmond Hill and the display of the closeness of the police to each other. Our Chief, Mitch Shores, said it aptly , “He feels like family he fits in here.”
The Chief, in those few words shows us how important our police are to each other.
This event spells the beginning of the next phase in the Sergeant’s life. His is a varied law experience of over 33 years of diverse activity; drill instructor in the military, Passaic County New Jersey Deputy Sheriff and a Marshall in the Federal Court Protection Program where, for two years, he was assigned to protect Maryanne Trump Barry, sister of President Trump as her lone Deputy Marshall.
Upon talking and learning his background we became fast friends. I am originally from New Jersey and knew the same people he worked with and knew. The world is truly a small place. With our friendship in place I was asked to join the next phase of his story, help bring his wife home.
His wife, Estefany, was in the Dominican Republic with their daughter, Alexa.
Estefany, pregnant with an at risk pregnancy, in a country where the medical world could not compare to the US. The treatment she needed came at. at a time when immigration, the bureaucracy were not moving quickly. The Chief appealed to our city manager, Chris Lovell, who agreed Littlejohn could go to the Dominican Republic to be with his wife and his job would be held for him.
State Representative Ron Stephens supported our efforts. “We need to help our friends, help each other. The bureaucracy has to help move the barriers quickly.”
Our Congressman, Buddy Carter, helped tirelessly on the federal level. He said to me this type of situation “makes a legislator the last hope for people to get the outcome they’re pleased with. Government needs to get out of the way.”
The Congressman worked tirelessly to speed the process.
The officers participated extensively from Lee Rodriguez translating, Major Jason Sakelarios (retired) communicating with him to keep his morale up to the support of his police family, a “group act” helping bring success to fruition.
So, we welcome a family, Robert, Estefany, Alexa and baby Matias to their home in Richmond Hill… a complete family. Thank you, Robert, for your friendship and letting me participate. Thank you Chief for trusting me to help bring success and a happy resolve.
The FRIENDS we meet along life’s path make the journey more rewarding. My reward is beyond special. The wonderful honor of being asked to be Godmother to the children…a part of this special family and to say with great joy,l welcome home at last.
Georgene Brazer is chairwoman of the Downdevelopment Authority of Richmond Hill and an occasional columnist for the Bryan County News.
