CARMEL – Andrew Columbia, once an angry New York City police officer, said a rooftop encounter with God in Harlem transformed his life. He later became a pastor and, in 2018, was chosen to lead the Mt. Carmel Bible Church congregation in Carmel.
Since that time, once a year, Pastor Columbia invites all members of law enforcement in addition to fire and EMS to the church for “Appreciation Sunday.”
The pastor explained the underlying theme of the day, “You are Our Hero,” stems from police officers, firefighters, EMS providers, and dispatchers serving as the “first line of defense in aiding others when the chips are down. I want our community to thank these brave men and women for their service.”
Columbia told those gathered at the church: “We recognize that those who protect and serve often make more sacrifices than they receive rewards for. Although many people today fail to show proper respect for law enforcement, our church holds them in high regard. As a former New York City police officer and current chaplain for several community organizations, I understand the importance of this work deeply. You are loved and appreciated.”
Columbia described his years in Putnam County as being exceptional. He became a minister part-time after retiring as a police officer accepting a full-time position on Staten Island and then for 15 years in Pennsylvania.
He was a traveling minister in Florida before “God called me to come to Carmel.”
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