Wadesboro Police officer Paul Marcum received the “Caught Ya!” award on Aug. 16, for helping stranded female tourists. The tourists later contacted the town, to give details on “Policeman Paul” going above the call of duty to help them.
Early, on the morning of Aug. 12, Faye Sherrill and her cousins were on their way to Kannapolis from Myrtle Beach. Ten miles from Wadesboro, Sherrill’s car began to make noise, and the check engine light came on. As they approached the Speedway gas station in Wadesboro, the oil light came on, and soon after, Marcum came over to assist them.
“There was a bit of smoke coming off the engine,” Sherrill said. Marcum waited for 20 minutes, and when the car cooled off, he began to check under the hood. After discovering that there was plenty of water in the radiator, he checked the oil to find hardly any left. Eventually, after placing oil in the car and moving it, Marcum discovered oil streaming out of the car.
Sherrill and her cousins decided to call their family to come and pick them up. Marcum stayed with them until the crowd dispersed from Speedway. He offered to stop by to check on them until their ride came. He also offered to watch out for Sherrill’s car until she returned to get it towed the next day.
“This is the perfect example of protecting and serving — and we aren’t even Wadesboro residents,” Sherrill said. “We are truly thankful for his assistance and the company he provided during our hours long ordeal. “
Sherrill went on to say, “I’d also like to mention there were other Wadesboro PD and some sheriffs at the Speedway and they were all concerned about us — Paul was the ringleader though.”
“I am proud of Officer Marcum’s efforts here,”said Chief Thedis Spencer, adding that Marcum’s actions are “an excellent example of the Wadesboro Police Department’s commitment to community policing.”
Spencer also said that he “would also like to commend our police officers who help others without being recognized. Thank you so much.”
The Wadesboro Town Council established the town’s Caught Ya! award program to recognize town employees who display exceptional customer service, show integrity during a stressful and difficult time, or otherwise going the extra mile.
