MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

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March 19, 2010

Man shows courage

Thurman McIntosh passed away last week.

Many may not know his name. But he is a hero to law enforcement in Muskogee and Kansas City.

And he is a hero to all of us who need an example of courage.

McIntosh proved to us all that life is precious.

He proved to us we are capable of doing the right thing.

Adversity does not build character; adversity identifies character.

Under some of the most unimaginable adversity, McIntosh showed true character when he stood up for little Erica Michelle Marie Green.

Erica was known only as “Precious Doe” to Kansas City, Mo., police in 2001.

Someone had horridly murdered her.

Erica was 3 when she was decapitated.

The killer was Harrell “Pete” Johnson — McIntosh’s grandson.

McIntosh had a tough choice. He felt the slain child was Erica.

It took too long time to convince authorities that Johnson could be the killer.

But, McIntosh never gave up.

He showed us perseverance is a virtue.

He showed us the determination to do the right thing.

Little Erica could not stand up for herself in life. She was not big enough to fend off her attacker.

McIntosh stood up for Erica in her death.

He made sure the killer was brought to justice.

If McIntosh’s example helps one person have the courage to stand up for those less fortunate or those who have been harmed and can’t defend themselves, then his contributions are immeasurable.

Heaven had a reunion recently.

Erica can hold Thurman’s hand again and say what we should — “thank you.”

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