January 2018 shooting incident commendations.
Sgt. Chad Davis
Sergeant Davis was part of the SWAT response in the capacity of a negotiator. When the shooting occurred, he responded to the residence and assisted Capt. Neely with securing the perimeter and tried to provide comfort to the uninjured team members as they came out of the scene. Capt. Neely and I posted on the entrance to the driveway and assisted with getting SLED information as they needed it and in kept the press back from the scene. Sergeant Davis then volunteered to drive Mike’s vehicle from the scene back to District 3
PIO Trent Faris
Trent responded to the incident location after Sergeant Clinton was shot. After the second shooting, Trent responded to the house with Sheriff Tolson. Trent then spent the next days, weeks, and months coordinating with the media over coverage of the shooting. As many of you are aware, Trent has also spent a great deal of time working on a documentary about the shooting. I encourage everyone to watch the documentary. Trent did a great job and it is really something special.
To view The Many Heroes Documenatry CLICK HERE.
Dep. Hunter Oliver
Deputy Oliver was off-duty on the night of the shooting. After hearing the news about Sergeant Clinton being shot, Deputy Oliver put on his uniform and came out to help. Deputy Oliver was almost to Paraham Road when he heard screaming and gun shots over the radio. At this time dispatch advised that they had two helicopters en route to the landing zone at the church on the corner of Hwy 49 and Paraham rd. Dispatch advised twice that they needed someone to command the landing zone. Deputy Oliver spoke up and offered to take command of the landing zone. He was able to communicate with the medical helicopters and land two of them in the church parking lot. Deputy Oliver then helped prepare Buddy and Mike to be loaded into the helicopters. Deputy Oliver gained experience managing loading zones during his time in fire service and we are extremely grateful that he was able to use these skills to help fellow officers.
Cpl. Tim Davidson
Deputy Davidson heard the domestic violence call come out over the radio and responded to the incident location. Deputy Davidson spoke with the suspect’s brother and then attempted to call the suspect. After relaying all available information to Sergeant Clinton, Deputy Davidson helped with the K9 perimeter. After the second shooting, Deputy Davidson assisted EMS with Mike and Buddy while EMS was providing treatment at the church for the two deputies.
Dep. Mike Robinson & Dep. Scott Lowder
Deputy Robinson was training Deputy Lowder that night. We were the unit that got the initial call for the domestic violence and were the first units on the scene. Deputies Robinson and Lowder were inside the residence providing protection for Ms. McCall and her daughter during the manhunt for the suspect. These deputies did a great job keeping the two women calm during the entire ordeal.
Lt. Bert Lilly
Lieutenant Lilly was at home sleeping when his wife woke him up to the sound of the helicopter. He called dispatch was advised that a subject was in the woods with a gun (he lives on Campbell Rd.). Lt. Lilly then put on his uniform to go help. Just after he got into his cruiser, he learned that Sergeant Clinton had been shot. Lt. Lilly then went to Hwy 49 to help with the perimeter. After the second shooting, Lieutenant Lilly helped to secure the crime scene. He stayed at the crime scene until SLED was finished processing the scene the next day.
Dep. Gary Cofty
Deputy Cofty assisted with the perimeter after Sergeant Clinton was shot. After the second shooting, he drove to the scene and was there until the suspect was placed into custody. After all of the chaos subsided, Deputy Cofty had to resume his usual duties and jumped right back to answering calls.
Sgt. Randy Gibson
Sergeant Gibson assisted with the perimeter after Sergeant Clinton was shot. He also assisted with securing the scene of the second shooting as wounded officers were being treated and evacuated from the scene by EMS.
Sgt. Melvin Billingslea
Sergeant Billingslea responded to the scene as one of the SWAT truck drivers. He was responsible for manning the weapons truck during the incident.
Dep. Mike Griffin
Deputy Griffin assisted with the perimeter after Sergeant Clinton was shot. Once the SLED helicopter has to leave to refuel, Deputy Griffin moved to the scene of the first shooting to hold that position with Lt. Lilly.