ACAPP Remembers Clint Dobson
By Office of Communication
Posted on October 09, 2012, October 09, 2012

For Officer Kimberly Fretwell, Pastor Clint Dobson was so much more than the victim of a brutal murder. He was her friend, an inspiration, and someone who embodied the spirit of what it meant to truly help others.

Dobson was a member of the Arlington Clergy and Police Partnership (ACAPP), a coalition of Clergy from every faith and denomination who partner with the Arlington Police Department. ACAPP members and their organizations are called upon to pray for police department members, to build relationships with police officers and other governmental officials, and to be available for crisis situations involving their community. Dobson graduated from the first ACAPP class in the spring of 2010. He was killed one year later.

"He was very active in the community and dedicated to the success of the program. Whenever I called on him, he was there," said Officer Fretwell.

Officer Fretwell spent many days at the trial of Steven Nelson, who was found guilty of killing Clint Dobson Monday morning.

"As a police officer, I have to be strong, but that was tough," said Fretwell. "It was the first time I saw pictures of Clint's murder. But we (ACAPP) did well, the family did well. We prayed together and we were there for the family as needed."

Dobson is still a part of ACAPP in many ways. The organization implemented the "Clint Dobson Memorial Award" and recently donated money to the Arlington Pregnancy Center, because it was a cause so important to Dobson. Officer Fretwell shared photos of the pastor in El Salvador. Dobson traveled there with NorthPointe Baptist Church in 2010 to dig a well for fresh drinking water.

"He was always looking for an opportunity to help others," said Officer Fretwell.

News of Nelson's guilty verdict did not surprise Fretwell, because she said the evidence was overwhelming. She just hopes Dobson's family feels that justice was served.

*Fretwell is an Arlington North District Crime Prevention Officer/ACAPP Coordinator. Photos pictured are those shared between Officer Fretwell and Clint Dobson.

 Clint Dobson

Pictured clockwise from top right, Dobson with Arlington Police Chief Theron Bowman, Dobson helping with the water well, and Laura and Clint Dobson in El Salvador.

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