The Sunday Epic: The Gutsiest Undercover Cop

What stayed with me most was not only the extraordinary courage it took for Calvin Shepherd to go undercover against fellow police officers, but the troubling fact that the investigation was stopped when there were indications the corruption reached much farther. Catching seven corrupt officers was important, but being prevented from following the evidence wherever it led leaves an uncomfortable question hanging over the entire story. This was gripping journalism, but it was also a reminder that integrity sometimes means being willing to stand almost completely alone.

Shepherd risked his career, his friendships, and potentially his life because he believed the badge should mean something. That kind of courage deserves to be remembered.