“Hometown Heroes” honored in Pendleton

PENDLETON, Ind. (WISH) - Emergency responders from across Madison County were honored Saturday for their response to a deadly shooting that left two police officers wounded and a police K9 dead. The event was planned more than 6 months ago, but it took on a brand new meaning, as "hometown heroes" gathered to pray for one of their own.

“They are willing to put themselves on the line for us, and that is why we call them heroes,” Pendleton Police Chaplain Trey Oldham told the crowd of more than 100 people gathered at Falls Park Saturday morning. “The people of Pendleton, area businesses and churches and the Pendleton Police Chaplains want to thank you for protecting, preserving and serving the good citizens of our historic community."

It was a duty that was put to the ultimate test on Thursday night.

Officers responding to reports of a gunman were caught in a barrage of bullets along Water Street in Pendleton, pinned down by suspected shooter Kenneth Jim Bailey. Anderson Officer Marty Dulworth was hit in both of his legs, but continued to return fire. He’s scheduled to undergo further surgery this weekend.

Pendleton Sergeant Shane Issacs was grazed by a bullet on his arm, but he insisted on returning to the scene after he was treated.

For those who walk the thin blue line daily, it's no surprise.

“They put their life on the line every time they come to work,” Oldham told 24-Hour News 8. “Every time they put on a jacket that has a badge on it or a patch on the sleeve, they know they could be walking into a dangerous place. We started the process back in February. And now, looking at the tone of this week, we could not have chosen a more appropriate day for this.”

Dozens of police officers, fire fighters, and EMS medics got a chance to simply “unwind” Saturday with their families, surrounded by their community. Nine local churches and more than two dozen local businesses helped sponsor the event.

“It's just about being there for them in situations like this, and to let them know we care for them. Today, the conversations are not about--where were you Thursday night? How did that affect you? The conversation today is--how's your family? This is a movement to try to not focus on Thursday night and Friday morning, but to just talk about--hey, we love you for who you are,” Oldham said.

It’s a chance for Pendleton to heal as well, he said.

“Small towns come together in times of crisis,” he continued. “This is our time to come together to say thanks.”

Organizers said the event was so successful they plan to make it an annual tradition in Pendleton.