A special Deputy

Edward Vawter has suffered through more in his 12 years of life than most deal with in a lifetime, but recently he got to see a long-held dream of his become reality.

Vawter is the grandson of Cities Service owner Ron Lende and the son of NRHS graduate Janessa Lende, and he's been leaving an impression as he's courageously battled a rare condition.

Vawter was born with Freeman-Sheldon Syndrome, an extremely rare disease that affects the development of bones, joints and the face.

To date, only about 100 cases of the disease have been reported worldwide, and at just 12 years old, Vawter has already had to undergo 22 surgeries.

But through that experience, he's developed perseverance, courage and toughness – qualities that would make him a great addition to any law enforcement agency, and the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office took notice.

Vawter currently lives with his parents and four siblings in Spokane Valley, Washington. Kootenai County is just across the border in Idaho, and the Sheriff's Office there first met Vawter through a religious youth group called Awana.

The 12-year-old has dreamed of becoming a Sheriff's Deputy since he was seven, and that dream finally became reality in June of this year, when Sheriff Robert Norris officially deputized Vawter.

After giving his oath of office, Vawter even received his own placard which bears his name along with his new title: "Special Deputy."

 The unique occasion drew the interest of several news organizations in the area, and Vawter's story was even featured on KHQ-TV, a television station out of Spokane Washington affiliated with NBC.

Sheriff Norris told KHQ that the courage and strength he saw within Vawter really made an impression on him.

"So I thought, you know what, let's make him a special deputy because quite honestly he does bring something to this organization," said Norris.

As for Vawter, he told KHQ exactly where he derives the courage that's left such an impression on so many: his faith.

"God means everything to me in everything I do. He's just the best person to get to know," said Vawter.

"It makes me feel like I am going to get through this and everything's going to be A-OK."

On Tuesday, Aug. 1, Vawter was in Colorado to undergo his 21st surgery – a spinal fusion. The purpose of the surgery is to permanently join together bones in the spine, removing any movement between them.

Vawter was nervous ahead of the surgery, so before leaving for Colorado he stopped by the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, where he met up with his fellow deputies and joined them in prayer for a safe surgery and speedy recovery.

Ron Lende said he's very proud of his grandson, and that Vawter's experience with law enforcement proves just how great this country can still be.

"It's a feel-good story," he said. "We haven't seen the end of it yet."

Unfortunately, Lende said a complication from the spinal fusion surgery meant Vawter had to remain in Colorado for yet another surgery on Wednesday, Aug. 16.

Lende added that any prayers for Vawter would be very appreciated as he begins the recovery process once again.

"I'm very proud of him ... He has a very strong faith in the lord," said Lende. "And that's what's getting him through all of this, plus his family that loves him so much."