Neosho Police Chief David McCracken was among the seven men. He was the one who made the call to storm the church when a shot rang out in the sanctuary. Along with him went Neosho Police Officer Cameron Kruse, Cpl. Donn Hall, Chief Deputy Chris Jennings, Sgt. David Trimble and Deputy Dale Brashers, all of the Sheriff’s Department and Trooper “Corky” Burr of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The gunman yelled at the seven men to leave. Officers told him to put the gun down.
And he did.
Newton County Sheriff Ken Copeland and I talked about the whole hero thing last week.
He was adamant that not a single one of those men would put themselves in that category.
“They were experienced and well-trained,” said Copeland. “Sure, they were brave, but mostly they did their jobs.”
Copeland said that a “cowboy” in law enforcement is not a desirable thing.
“We work to make that kind of attitude go away,” he said.
At the end of the day, people were alive because of these seven men. The blood of those who were killed or injured is on the hands of the gunman, clear and simple.
The funerals of the three victims, Kernel Rehobson, Intenson Rehobson, and Kuhpes Jesse Ikosia, are scheduled for today in Goodman.
1 comment:
This event was very well handled by all officers involved. It was truly a tragedy and more lives could have been lost. I do have one complaint that the flags should not have been flown at half mast. Just this last spring a Granby woman and her child were tragically murdered in their home and the flags remained at full mast. What about the tragic deaths this summer to several area teens in auto accidents were the flags lowered then? Don't get me wrong I have prayed for the victims and their families but the lowering of the flag is a sign of honor for those who have served their country.e.g. law enforcement, fire departmet,political officer, holders and military personnel.
Post a Comment