New Year's Eve Safety: Protecting Our Community with Purpose
December 29, 2025 | Chaplain Dr. Kevin Lamb, Thomas County Sheriff's Office
"The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." - Psalm 121:8
New Year's Eve is almost here, one of the most challenging nights of the year for law enforcement. Increased DUI incidents, large gatherings, emotional celebrations, and unpredictable situations make December 31st a night that requires all hands on deck and extra spiritual preparation.
Spiritual Preparation for Officers
If you're working New Year's Eve, start preparing your heart now:
Ground Yourself in Purpose: Remember why you chose this profession. Tuesday night, you're not just managing crowds; you’re ensuring families make it safely into 2026. Every DUI stop could save lives. Every wellness check could prevent tragedy.
Pray for Wisdom: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God" (James 1:5). New Year's Eve brings unique situations requiring split-second decisions. Pray for discernment in crazy moments.
Armor Up Spiritually: Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17). You'll face physical dangers, but also spiritual battles; anger, frustration, and discouragement when dealing with intoxicated individuals making poor choices.
Prayer Covering for New Year's Eve
Community, please join me in praying for our officers:
"Father, we lift up every Thomas County deputy working New Year's Eve. Surround them with Your protection. Give them supernatural patience with difficult people. Provide clear thinking in confusing situations. Let their presence bring calm to chaotic scenes. Protect them from accidents, violence, and harm. Bring them home safely to their families on January 1st. We place them under Your covering. Amen."
Community Safety Partnership
Thomas County, you can help make New Year's Eve safer:
Plan Ahead: Designate drivers, use ride-shares, or stay home. Your good choices make our officers' job easier.
Be Responsible Hosts: If hosting a party, control alcohol consumption, collect keys, and have backup transportation ready.
Report Dangerous Behavior: See someone driving erratically? Call it in. You might save lives.
Show Appreciation: If you encounter an officer New Year's Eve, a simple "thank you" goes a long way during a stressful shift.
Avoid Unnecessary Calls: Think before calling—is this truly an emergency or can it wait until January 1st?
Finding Meaning in Service
Officers, while others celebrate the year's end, you're creating space for safe celebration. That's sacred work.
Every family that makes it home safely because of your vigilance is a victory. Every tragedy prevented through your intervention is a life-changing moment—even if they never know your name.
You're not missing the celebration, you’re making it possible.
When the clock strikes midnight and Thomas County welcomes 2026, remember: your sacrifice allowed others to celebrate freely. Your service created the safety that made their joy possible.
Midnight Blessing
At 12:01 AM, when the new year begins, know that God's mercies are new every morning, including this one. 2026 is a fresh start for our community, and you'll be there to protect it from day one. Stay safe, stay strong, and thank you for your watch.
Chaplain Dr. Kevin Lamb
Thomas County Sheriff's Office
Always here for you at 229.200.3346 call anytime.
