Ameren Illinois employee Sharon Walker was on the job as a meter reader when she found a wallet containing nearly $500. She returned the wallet to the Christian County Sheriff’s Office in Taylorville, Ill., who found the rightful owner. The wallet had been missing for several years.

"I just took it to the sheriff's office and turned it in,” says Walker. “I'd rather do the right thing than to spend somebody else's money and live in regret for the rest of my life."

For her honesty, Walker received a Certificate of Recognition from the Christian County Sheriff’s Department. “Ms. Walker’s actions that day represented the finest in personal integrity and professional commitment,” says Christian County Sheriff Bruce Kettelkamp. “It could have been just as easy for her to take the money, put it in her pocket and walk on to read the next meter and nobody would have known the difference.”

“It’s a good feeling to know that people recognize you for being honest in this day and age,” commented Walker.

June 2012