HERMANN, Mo. — The community held a vigil Friday in the Hermann High School gymnasium to honor two police officers who were shot Sunday night shooting at a Casey's gas station in Hermann.
Detective Sergeant Mason Griffith died, and Officer Adam Sullentrup is still in critical condition at Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur. Police arrested suspect Kenneth Simpson following a standoff.
Griffith lived in Rosebud, Missouri, with his wife and two children. He served as a Chief of Police there.
Several members of his community and close friends describe him as one of the friendliest people you'd ever meet, and as the person who gave 100% to everyone and everything.
Chris Kennedy, a Hermann resident, said the incident was just shocking.
"It’s not something we really see in small towns and whenever something like that actually happens it really brings us together,” he said.
The small community of about 2,200 came together. They wore blue and black ribbons … in honor of the fallen police officer who proudly served his community for six years.
Kalee Karupinski, who is a friend of Sullentrup and his wife, said "It’s very comforting seeing the community come together and see everybody rally around together just the love."
People were asked to enter the gym in silence Friday night. At 7:00 p.m., the Master of Ceremonies kicked off a lineup of speeches and songs, ending with a moment of silence.
There was limited parking for the general public at Hermann Middle School for the vigil. The Hermann Trolley and Schwartz Bussing provided free rides from various designated spots.
There are services for Sergeant Griffith this weekend on Sunday, at Owensville High School in Owensville. The visitation is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The funeral is at 2 p.m.
After the funeral, there will be a procession from the school, down Highway 19 to Highway 28. It moves to Highway 50 and east to Reserve Street. It ends at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Rosebud, Missouri.
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