Derby City Area Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Derby City Area Chapter of the N.S.C.I.A. is a membership organization for individuals with spinal cord injuries, their families, and health professionals. Founded in 1984 as a Charter Member of the N.S.C.I.A., it was incorporated under IRS Section 501 (c) 3 as a not for profit organization. The Board of Directors consists of the Officers, Past President and the Board Members At Large.
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OFFICERS
PRESIDENT David Allgood - (502) 589-6620
VICE PRESIDENT Adam Ford - (502) 425-2206
TREASURER Tom Stokes- (502) 957-5865
LIAISON TO FRAZIER INSTITUTE Dr. Bill Kraft – (502) 582-5865
FUNDRAISING CHAIR Betty Perry—(502) 647-0368
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY/WEB MASTER Michael Feger- (502) 647-0368
PAST PRESIDENT Adam Ford- (502) 425-2206
BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGE- Mike Perry Kelly Young
NSCIA DERBY CITY CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
Editor- Barbara Davis
Contributor- David Allgood
CLARKSVILLE SHERRIFF, CONT'D
"If Barry had wanted to quit to look out the window, we would have supported him," Dickman said. An officer since 1976, Ross returned instead to his old job and has handled several headquarters roles. He now is in charge of records, a duty he takes so seriously that he requests medication for pain that might slow him. "He is in excruciating pain every day, and he chooses to go to work every day," said Anne Ross, his wife of 30 years, who is heroic in her own right. "A lot of people thought she was my nurse for a long time," Ross said of his wife. Ross returned to the force to prove to himself he could and to others that he should. Regarding the latter, Ross said, "Just me saying `I can do it' wouldn't be good enough for them." Ross is an asset to the town and a role model to its people, Dickman said. He vigilantly keeps his qualifications current, and, despite his limits, carries his weight. "I do all the things a police officer does," he said. "I just have to do them sitting down." He drives and plugs away at a degree at Indiana University Southeast. Ross bristles at kid-glove treatment, so much as having doors opened for him. Amenities are disguised in the accessible home he had to have built. The elevator can be assumed to be a closet. Yet Ross is as good-natured now as before his injury, Dickman said. Ross wouldn't have it any other way than to keep the conversation cotton-candy light. "It's the old Barry," Dickman said. "It just happens to be Barry in a wheelchair." David Ross, Barry's younger brother, is the assistant police chief in Clarksville. He is an officer at his older brother's urging, grateful for the guidance and in awe of the determination. "He actually probably should not be here," Dickman said. "But for whatever reason, he is. And I'm glad." Barry Ross considers retirement, perhaps fairly soon. He still feels fulfilled and useful, yet the system is set up for police officers to hang it up in their 50's. "He's having problems making the decision," said Anne Ross, who encourages his retirement. Ross likes guns and he could open a shop or work at one. He and his brother own some remote woods he could visit more often. He suggests another run for public office—he failed in a 1990's bid for town council. And he can keep following son Michael's career in law enforcement; Michael Ross is also an officer in Clarksville. Barry Ross' injury is old news. Some people remember, others guess he was shot. Ross can be taken for granted in part because he tries to be. He lives routinely the life dealt him instead of waiting obsessively for his odds to change. Explaining his dreams, his outlook, Ross said, "This is forever."
