Livingston County Kentucky Deputy Sheriff Killed In Gunfight

OK, Louisville officers, here's a challenge to you - show up IN FORCE at this funeral. Given that LMPD has fully 10 percent of the total officers in Kentucky - let's see some officers attend this funeral.

And if you say you "don't have time" - please remember all those officers who showed up at Grignon's funeral - in some cases, half the total department. (When you have four officers and two come to the funeral, that's 50 percent.) I've been to 4 LE funerals outside the Jefferson County area - and there is never more than a couple of LPD/JCPD/LMPD officers at the funeral. That's not showing much respect for fellow Kentucky officers.

I never see Louisville officers at the statewide memorial service in Richmond either - remember, that's the memorial supported by the license plates you see all over the state. Not every LE officer in Kentucky is an FOP member, after all. Will you be there next year for Grignon - you weren't there this year for Coy, after all.

BE THERE! I hope to be, depending upon when it is held.

He makes a point, but getting off to attend a funeral with our shortages would be difficult to say the least. But if you are not working, you should make attempts to attend. The State Police came down here and worked for us so that we could attend Peter's funeral.

I think that LMPD owes a BIG favor after the state troopers and county sheriff's helped us out during Pete's death. It is time to repay the favor, can somebody find out when and where the funeral is to take place?

I checked the Paducah Sun (the closest large newspaper), nothing yet. I'll check again in the morning. I suspect it will be Tuesday.

There's another crisis thats facing the West Ky. Law Enforcement family. The trooper backing up the deputy is having a rough time dealing with this situation. The trooper had less than one week field experience after completing his FTO supervision. I also understand that the trooper shot in Metcalfe County was newly released from his FTO. In speaking with my son who is a KSP unit, both of these troopers need huge support . Each of us who have begun a new shift after losing an officer know the feelings that only a law enforcement family feels. Livingston County and KSP have had a rough week. In addition to Livingston County S.O., there are two brothers who are down on one knee and need the support that only can come from the Law Enforcement family. Let KSP and Livingston

County know that LMPD will also be there to help these brothers back up on their feet by honoring Deputy Lynch with a greater than usual presence at his funeral and by contacting KSP Post 1and KSP Post 15 in support of these Troopers. Louisville & Jefferson County served as my family years ago. My son now has KSP as his. Lets show the Commonwealth we are one solid family, especially after this week.

We'll post the arringements as soon as we get them. Eric JOhnson should be sending them out sometime tonight.

Early Friday morning, Livingston County Sheriff's Deputy Roger Lynch was killed while responding to a domestic trouble run. He was shot multiple times by an assailant with an assault rifle. Deputy Sheriff Lynch fought back, killing his attacker, but the battle cost him his life.

He was 52 years of age and is survived, I am told, by a wife (Debbie) and 2 grown sons. He was the member of a 7 man department.

Deputy Sheriff Lynch's funeral will be in Smithland, KY, Livingston County on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 at 1500 hours CST. The department is small and without many resources, so LMPD will be represented by a mounted patrol and honor guard detail to pay tribute to this fallen hero and to show our support. Members of SUPPORTING HEROES are already on the scene.

Please keep this family and department in your prayers. We, sadly, know exactly how they feel. Also, please keep Rebecca Grignon in your prayers. When she heard of this tragedy she immediately left for Livingston County to console the widow and offer the type of support that she received from the widows of other fallen officers. Pray that God gives her the wisdom to bring comfort.

There will be more info to follow as I learn it. This is an extended part of our family in Livingston County and I thought that you would want to know.

God Bless,

Bill Weedman

Another will be missing from roll, but not forgotten! Please remember his family in your prayers and be careful everyone......War Wagon

A few more brief comments;

Please also keep in mind how the Dispatchers are affected in these situations. Dispatchers in McCracken County and KSP Post 1 took the initial calls and transferred them to Livingston Dispatch. All of them are having a hard time with this also. In fact Roger was standing in Livingston Dispatch when the initial call came in. Within 15 minutes it was all over and the notifications began. Fifteen minutes from laughing and joking with the deputy to the hardest call a dispatcher will ever have to make; notifying a Sheriff one of his deputies is gone.

.......

LMPD command should make it mandantory for all probationary officers to attend any LE funeral in the state. This would ensure that they see first hand what happens, not only to the officer who is killed, but the family, the community, other officers, etc.

Why limit it to recruits? Crime statistics show that the average officer killed in the line of duty has 10 years of service. Maybe all police departments should make their Officers train how to better protect themselves from dangerous people, instead of teaching them to be Dr Phil or Andy Griffith. Personally I wouldn't want anyone coming to my funeral just because they were ordered to.