Members of the fiscal court and attendees of Tuesday’s court meeting celebrated the heroic efforts and safe return of local emergency personnel involved after a triple homicide and standoff that eventually led to the death of the assailant.
Emergency personnel attended the meeting to support their peers, Deputy Emily Wall, Josh Durbin and Josh Brockman, who were pinned down during the incident that took place on Monday, April 20. Three Adair County residents were killed before a standoff took place at 1790 Chestnut Grove Rd., where the assailant was eventually killed by law enforcement.
Sheriff Gary Roy became emotional as he recounted the day, saying that Deputy Wall arrived on the scene and was immediately met with intense semi-automatic gunfire coming from the residence.
“Without hesitation, with disregard for her own safety, Deputy Wall acted instinctively by pulling a nearby bystander to safety, shielding them from harm. Despite being under direct fire, Deputy Wall maintained extraordinary composure. Deputy Wall’s patrol car was struck 24 times, with numerous rounds passing dangerously close to her position, any of which could have been fatal,” Roy said. “In total, four lives were lost that day, but by the grace of God no law enforcement officers were injured.”
Wall received a plaque from Roy with her daughter, Raelynn, by her side.
Roy then went on thank all law enforcement and first responders and 911 dispatch who were involved that day. He then recognized Durbin and Brockman for “going above and beyond.”
They obtained a ballistic shield and made their way to Wall’s patrol car while returning gunfire so they could stay with Deputy Wall and the bystander until they could assist in removing them to safety.
“I don’t ever want to go into a firefight and be pinned down, but if I do, I pray that these two men are with me,” Roy said.
Fiscal Court Actions
Also during Tuesday’s fiscal court meeting, the court voted to lease to J.O.Y. Ministries a building that was used as an election polling location but has now been moved to county property. The local non-profit organization received approval to remodel the building for use as a short-term shelter. It will be moved next to another building called Cally’s House, which the organization also uses to provide short-term shelter.
During other business, the court re-appointed Chris Quinn to the ambulance service board.
They also approved using the road fund to update mapping software at 911.
Bryant asked the court to require a meeting with city officials before approving the city’s new comprehensive plan. The court voted to table it until the county attorney has a chance to review the plan.
Sheriff Roy got approval to total the cruiser that was damaged by gunfire, with insurance providing $19,000. Roy said he found another vehicle for about the same price so they would only be out the cost of equipping it, which would run around $3,500.
Bryant said he thought they should keep the damaged cruiser and use it for parts, since insurance said they would provide $16,000 if the county kept the vehicle.
Roy said he would consider it a slap in the face to the officer pinned behind the vehicle, and the court quickly voted to support Roy’s recommendation.
By Sharon Burton
snburton@adairvoice.com
