Officers honored for response to Samson area shootings

Twelve of the law enforcement officers directly involved in responding to the shootings that left 11 people dead last month in the Samson area were honored Tuesday by the Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL) and Attorney General Troy King.

According to a statement from Shelly Linderman, the director of the Wiregrass Angel House VOCAL, among those honored were Samson Police Chief Gary Weeks and Deputy Chief Tracey Kersey, who responded to the 911 call and then dispatched Officers Nicholas Baxley, Darrell Smith, and Michael Patrick to respond. Weeks asked for help from surrounding agencies.

Alabama State Trooper Mike Gillis also received recognition after he encountered the gunman, Michael McLendon, on Alabama Highway 52. Gillis suffered minor injuries during the shooting.

Geneva Police Chief Frankie Lindsey and Lt. Ricky Morgan, who suffered minor injuries during the shootings, were also honored.

Geneva County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Tony Helms and Lt. Danny Staley, along with Conservation Officer Joel Herndon, were honored after they exchanged fire with the gunman. Geneva County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Myers was also honored for his pursuit of the gunman. The gunman shot and killed Myers’ wife, Andrea, and his infant daughter, and wounded another daughter, Ella Myers.
Linderman said all 12 people received a medal of distinguished service, along with a certificate.