(Story by Scott Humphrey, News Director, 105.7 News)

This latest “Everyone Has A Story” series came from the opening minutes of the Cumberland County Commission meeting last night (October 19, 2020).

Sheriff Casey Cox recognized County Commissioner David Gibson for his 40 years of service to the sheriff’s department.

As I go to the sheriff’s office weekdays to review arrest and incident reports, I noticed one day a picture on a wall of a young patrolman standing next to a car with a bubble light on the top. It was a picture of David Gibson shortly after the start of his career in law enforcement. Someone wrote two simple words on the top of the printout of the picture.

“The Legend”

Gibson’s 40 year journey with the sheriff’s department could certainly be called legendary and continues to this day.

He started with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department on October 1, 1980.

“I started as a jailer for three days and served as a patrolman for two more days a week,” said Gibson.

Six months later, he went to being a patrolman full time in Cumberland County and continued so for years.

“When Sheriff Leon Tollett was elected, I was promoted to sergeant and a week later I was an investigator.”

He has served in that position and continues to do so today working all kinds of cases in the county.

When asked what he thought is the main difference between then and present day, he had a smile on his face and naturally answered with his sense of humor always in place.

“Back then it was all hand written reports we turned in. Some of us still have a hard time today with computers!”

The mood certainly shifted with one question. What was the hardest case he has worked in his career?

“I try not to talk about it. There are some memories you can’t get rid of regarding things seen. I do my best to not let those memories bother me.”

We have talked about Investigator David Gibson but what about County Commissioner David Gibson?

“I have served a total of 18 years all together as a county commissioner.”

I asked him which role he prefers, an investigator or a county commissioner. His answer was without delay.

“I enjoy serving the wonderful people of Cumberland County no matter which role I am in,” said Gibson.

The 60-year-old Gibson put back on his humor hat for a final question in how long did he see himself being an investigator.

“Oh about 100 more years (laughing),” said Gibson.

While not serving the county, David likes to hunt, fish, gardening and has somewhat of another way to relax.

“I like to bush hog and have my headphones on. It is relaxing to me.”

The Cambridge dictionary defines the word “legend” as someone famous and admired, usually because of their ability in a particular area. Whoever wrote “The Legend” on the picture of David Gibson in his younger days as a patrolman described him the best with two simple words.

Maybe a better description of Gibson would be a true servant. A servant to his community and to his profession. He, like all other law enforcement officers, puts his life on the line daily to serve and protect. As a county commissioner, he speaks to his constituents on their concerns regarding the county and how to make things better.

He truly has a servant’s heart.