The Bridgewater College community on Wednesday marked the one-year anniversary of a shooting that killed two campus officers. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi reports.
The sun emerged partway through the ceremony on Wednesday afternoon, as a couple hundred people gathered near the place where Officers John Painter and J.J. Jefferson were killed. A memorial site under construction there is expected to be finished in late summer.
Chaplain Robbie Miller opened the event.
ROBBIE MILLER: And long after our journeys here are done, others will come, and learn how Officers J.J. and John gave their last full measure of devotion to this college they loved and served.
Miller was followed by Milton Franklin, Jr., chief of campus police.
MILTON FRANKLIN, JR.: They served with honor and valor in their sacrifice … to keep us safe.
Student Karis David recounted finding her friends after the lockdown had lifted.
KARIS DAVID: There was relief to be in one another's arms again, gratitude for this life and the people around us, and also shock over what we just went through, and grief over the loss of John and J.J. who are no longer with us in the same way.
President David Bushman described the plans for the site.
DAVID BUSHMAN: The memorial sculpture design of steel piers growing closer and taller in a graceful, arcing wall, is based on the concept of individuals coming together. … It's meant to commemorate the actions of John and J.J. who acted together in protecting us.
[bell ringing]
Professor Larry Taylor rang a handbell to close the ceremony, and Professor Christine Carrillo played the college song "Bridgewater Fair" on trumpet.
[trumpet playing]
Students and faculty members turned to one another and embraced.