Richard N. Williford II

Pastor Richard Williford of Long's church, Pine Valley Church of God on Shipyard Boulevard, said Thursday the Long family is "just kind of waiting" for an outcome to the investigation.He said they remain active members of the church.

"They just seem to be handling it pretty well," Williford said.

At Pine Valley Church of God, Pastor Richard Williford encouraged members last week to get a Christmas card and write words of encouragement to former sheriff's deputy Christopher M. Long and his family.

At Pine Valley Church of God, Pastor Richard Williford encouraged members last week to get a Christmas card and write words of encouragement to former sheriff's deputy Christopher M. Long and his family.
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This week, Williford said, he plans to have members place the cards in a basket and pray over them before he delivers them to the Longs.
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"Chris has been a very loyal and faithful member of this church pretty much all his life," Williford said, adding that Long's family has been members for generations.
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"Chris has a great personality," Williford said.
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Williford said Long was quiet most of the day Monday but that the two prayed often.
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"We certainly feel that Chris did not go there intending to do anyone harm," Williford said.
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Williford said Long hasn't said a negative word against the superiors at the sheriff's office who ordered him to go on the raid or against Sheriff Sid Causey, who fired him after the shooting.

Church bands together for fired deputy Long PREVIEW HIDE At Pine Valley Church of God, Pastor Richard Williford encouraged members last week to get a Christmas card and write words of encouragement to former sheriff's deputy Christopher ...

Pastor Richard N. Williford, IISenior Pastor, Pine Valley Church of God