Laurens County Girl to Be Honored for Bravery at National Law Enforcement Gala
October 20, 2025
When tragedy struck the Hines family, 7-year-old Kinsley Hines showed courage beyond her years.
Following a devastating car accident caused by an illegal alien who didn’t know the area and ran two stop signs while traveling at excessive speed before crashing into their vehicle, Kinsley acted with remarkable strength—unbuckling her younger sister Maddie from her car seat and trying to pull her from the wreckage. Despite her own injuries, she sat beside Maddie as CPR was administered, repeatedly telling her sister she loved her.
“No seven-year-old should have to experience that,” said her mother, Chelsey Hines, “but Kinsley’s calmness and strength in those moments were incredible. She told me later she didn’t know where her strength came from, but I think we all do.”
That bravery has now captured national attention. On November 11, 2025, Kinsley—now 9—will be honored at the Big Blue Bash, a national law enforcement gala hosted by Kyle Reyes, owner of Law Enforcement Today. The event will be held at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, and will recognize heroes in law enforcement, veterans, and pro-police advocates from across the country.
During the evening, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Border Czar Tom Homan, and ICE Director Todd Lyons will present a special award to Kinsley for her bravery. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) Foundation, which provides support to the families of fallen and injured officers.
The Hines family met Reyes in August during the recording of the Sheepdog & Shepherd podcast, produced by Pray.com. The episode, released October 5, allowed Chelsey and her husband to share their faith journey and the deep loss of Maddie—just days shy of her fourth birthday. Kinsley was also present for the recording and shared her memories privately with Reyes and co-host Pastor Greg Farah.
Reyes was deeply moved by their story. “I’ve told their story more than 150 times since we met,” he said. “I believe my God can do amazing things, and this little girl needs to be honored.” Through his efforts and sponsorship from GiveSendGo, the Hines family will travel to Florida to attend the event as special guests.
In a post announcing the award, Reyes wrote:
“Even typing this post puts a lump in my throat. Sweet little Maddie is with Jesus now—and we’re going to make sure the world doesn’t forget her, and gets to know Him. Our theme for the night is ‘Send Me.’ America needs God more than ever, and this event will make sure His glory is at the center of it all.”
The Big Blue Bash will also feature appearances by Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks and other national leaders, with a program focused on faith, service, and sacrifice.
For more information about the event, visit Law Enforcement Today’s Big Blue Line Gala.
To learn more about how the community continues to honor Maddie’s memory and support the family’s mission, visit the Love Like Maddie Foundation.
Cover photo – Maddie (L) with big sister Kinsley (R)
