WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Four law enforcement officers are recovering after an officer-involved shooting in Dodge City on Monday.
During this situation, law enforcement claims to stick together, describing their relationship as family.
Patrolman Michael Racy is a technical trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol, and he says that in rural Kansas, so many people know each other.
“We’re not in the subway,” Officer Racy said. “We’re out here and in rural areas, so we know each other. We know each other’s families most of the time.”
Finney County Sheriff Michael Warren says they are ready to help.
“They contact us and need assistance. We will be there for them,” Sheriff Warren said.
The KHP assists if an agency is understaffed.
“So we listen to the radio talks and listen,” said Trooper Racy. “So if they have something coming into the county, we’ll definitely respond to help them if they’re low on units.”
The Fraternal Order of Police for Wichita, Sedgwick County and Kansas is providing hotels and food to the families of Deputies who are receiving treatment in Wichita.
“Related family members are pulling their family members out to protect and serve the community, and they’re not getting support,” said Fraternal Order of Police Lodge Five chairman David Inkelaar. “So we are able to give back and give their support to their family.
Law enforcement agencies throughout Kansas say they are close-knit regardless of the distance between them.
“We’re very close,” Sheriff Warren said. “We are all family. We are here to help each other all the time.
The sheriff’s officers involved in the shooting are all on paid administrative leave pending further investigation.
Inkelaar says everyone who responded to or had a hand in what happened on Monday needs support. He says just stopping by your local agency goes a long way.
