'I have nothing to fear'

COEUR d’ALENE — When Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris met Edward Vawter about a month ago, he was impressed with his positive attitude and vibrancy for life.

So on Thursday, before a room of captains, lieutenants and other KCSO staff at The Coeur d’Alene Resort, Norris called the 12-year-old who always wanted to be a police officer to the front.

“You think I could special deputize you?” he asked

The boy smiled, his body shaking with excitement.

“Yeah.”

With family and friends looking on, Edward carefully repeated the words of Norris.

“I do solemnly swear to support the Constitution of the United States in the state of Idaho, and that I will faithfully discharge all my duties to the best of my abilities.”

When he finished, the crowd stood and applauded as a placard with Edward’s name and the title “Special Deputy” was placed around his neck.

“Awesome, yeah,” Edward said.

Then, supported by his walker, he stood and shared his story.

“I have something that is called Freeman-Sheldon syndrome. It affects bones and muscles in a different way," he said.

Edward said he has undergone 20 surgeries due to the rare disorder. His disabilities keep him from doing what children usually do. He can't join his siblings when they play outside.

“I just get left alone. Nothing to do,” he said.

Other times, after his surgeries, it’s hard to recover, he said.

“But,” he added emphatically, “I have found a friend in Jesus. He’s everything to me. He’s everything to me. When I am left alone, he comforts me. When I do have my surgeries, he’s there for me. And he renews my strength.”

Edward told the group he will soon have another surgery.

“It’s a pretty big one. It’s a spinal fusion. To be honest with you, I’m pretty scared," he said. "But I know I have nothing to fear. God will be right there with me.”

He told the officers they have chosen a difficult, dangerous career, and thanked them.

“But I’ve come here to tell you, you have nothing to fear. God will be right there with you, wherever and whenever you need him,” Edward said. “He loves you, no matter what.”

Then, the Spokane boy prayed for them. He asked God to guide them, protect them and put peace in their hearts.

“We love you so much. Amen,” he said.

Per tradition, Norris had his team form two lines and, as Edward walked between them, he was congratulated.

“Good job," he heard several times.

Edward’s parents, Adam and Janessa Vawter, were pleased.

“We appreciate being here and appreciate what you’ve done for Edward,” Adam Vawter said.

Their son has long wanted to be a police officer, Janessa Vawter said.

“The older he gets, he realizes he can’t do the things he would want to do,” she said.

According to the National Organization of Rare Disorders, Freeman-Sheldon syndrome or “whistling face syndrome” is exceptionally rare, present before birth and primarily affects muscles of the face and skull, but frequently involves problems with joints of the hands and feet.

But the boy, who loves camping, reading, video games and learning about survival skills, has defied the odds. He has kept the faith.

"We’re pretty proud of him,” mom said.

Edward has an older brother and three younger sisters.

Rich and Vikki Ballinger of Post Falls met the Vawters through Awana at a local church. The more they came to know Edward, the more they saw a boy strong in spirit and filled with courage.

“Complete joy,” Rich Ballinger said of Edward, who proved to be a good shot at the Fernan Rod and Gun Club last month, courtesy of Ballinger. From 20 yards, he put several in the target's center.

“The kid is all-boy,” Rich Ballinger said.