'Amazingly strong'

COEUR d’ALENE — Special deputy Edward Vawter signed off for the final time Tuesday at the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.

“We wish you well. Thank you, and God bless,” the dispatcher said.

The 12-year-old boy smiled.

“Deputy Edward out,” he said.

With that, the crowd of deputies, KCSO personnel and Edward Vawter’s family cheered and clapped.

Sheriff Bob Norris said it was applause well-deserved.

“This young man exemplifies courage,” he said. “He is amazingly strong.”

During a ceremony in June, Norris deputized Edward, who has Freeman-Sheldon syndrome, which primarily affects muscles of the face and skull, but frequently involves problems with joints of the hands and feet.

KCSO has since kept in contact with the family and prayed for him.

Edward, who has always wanted to be a law officer, has undergone more than 20 surgeries due to the rare disorder, most recently this summer.

But the boy who loves camping, reading, video games and learning about survival skills has not let it keep him down. 

"Hello," he said to Norris when he entered the room. 

Because his Spokane family is moving to South Dakota, a farewell party was held at KCSO in his honor Tuesday.

“I want to tell you that you’ve brought a lot to this organization,” Norris said.

For his courage, faith and leadership, he was presented with medals, a flag and certificate from KCSO. Family friend Rich Ballinger of Post Falls presented Edward with a knife that had his name on it.

“That’s awesome,” Edward said. 

As KCSO personnel departed, they formed a line and each gave Edward a high-five or handshake. 

“We gained more from him than he will take away from us,” Norris said.

KCSO Chaplain John McSwain and his dog, Rocket, presented Edward with a shirt with Rocket's likeness and praise.

"I wanted you to know that you impacted my life as a chaplain,” he said. “You impacted the lives of all of our deputies as we prayed for you."

Edward was pleased and offered numerous thanks.

“Thank you Sheriff Norris for everything you have done for me. You have just been a wonderful blessing to me,” he said. 

He thanked deputies for their service and prayed for them.

“Guide them, bless them, keep them safe, Lord,” he said. 

“Help them to know that you are with them and you will guide them every step of the way,” he continued. “Bless this community, Lord."

His mom, Janessa Vawter, said Edward is doing well. She said what the KCSO did for him, how they honored him, was a blessing they will take with them to South Dakota.

“The sheriff’s office did so much for him," she said. "He knows that somebody outside of his family really cares for him."

    KCSO Lt. Justin Arts shakes Edward Vawter's hand Tuesday.