A Sheriff Deputy was shot last night a few miles from my home.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

I know him, like you know all your police force in a small town. He's full of dreams of making things better in our community. He's been on the force here for less than a year and is still idealistic. He's handsome and has a family that loves him.

Last night at 11:15 he pulled over a vehicle a few miles from my house. I don't know what exactly happened but the person whose house the traffic stop was in front of said they heard cursing and yelling. Then they heard a shot and a vehicle drive away. When it was over Andy Taylor age 28 lay bleeding from a gunshot wound to his head.

Andy survived the gunshot and is in very critical condition.

The man who shot Andy was on Parole from PA. He was found a little while ago about 20 or so miles from where the shooting took place. He had shot himself. I don't know if he's still alive or not.

For some reason I just can't stop crying over this. I'm not sure why. You'd think after all the horrors that go on in the world around us I'd have grown thicker skin by now. I keep thinking about the families on both sides that are never going to be the same.

Please, send out good vibes to Andy and his family and all those who love him.

While you're at it the family of the man who shot Andy will also be grieving, they will need some good vibes, too. I don't know them, but they are fellow humans.

[redqueen]

1. Thick skin doesn't protect you if it's someone you know.

Thanks for sharing this... I'll keep you all in my prayers.

:pals:

[Lone_Star_Dem]

9. Thank you redqueen.

Your prayers are appreciated.

[Shell Beau]

2. That is tragic. My brother used to be a cop and I used to worry all

of the time about stuff like that. They put themselves in
dangers way everyday they are on the job. (I still worry about my brother b/c now he works for the bureau of narcotics) I will pray for this man and his family. :cry:

[Lone_Star_Dem]

10. Tragic and senseless.

Thank you for your prayers on behalf of Andy and his family.

[havocmom]

3. From my small town to yours- healing energy and prayers

Cops in small towns, well, how do you not to take it hard? You know them, they are not nameless strangers that you just care about in an abstract way.

Don't fret about crying. It's OK. Let it out. Take care of you so you can help take care of your neighbors.

Damn, I fear we will be seeing more of this as time goes by and America drifts further from the dreams of most Americans. Too much hate, too much angish, too much to deal with and less resources. This shit increased in the Reagan/Bush I years too.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

7. You're right.

He's a living breathing person I stop and chat with, I know his character. I tease him about his name and his career choice.

I just saw the AP story and it just doesn't seem possible that something like this could have happened to someone I know.

I fear you're right, we will be seeing more desperate violence of this nature from places were it was unheard of before. More small communities will be grieving before things get better.

[Wickerman]

4. My best to Deputy Sherrif Andy Taylor and his family

I have several friends in law enforcement in my small town and can somewhat imagine what you are feeling.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

11. Thank you Wickerman

I plan on emailing this thread to one of his loved ones so they will know that people are thinking of them.

[Blue Diadem]

5. Sending prayers and good thoughts

for Andy,his family and the community. Here's a :hug: for you too.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

12. Thank you.

I think I needed that :hug: I'll pass it on throughout the community.

[mongo]

6. Best wishes for a FULL recovery

So sorry to you to. My prayers to him and his family.

And my personal thanks to him for his public service.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

13. Thank you Mongo

We all desperately want him whole again.

[GOPisEvil]

8. I read about this in the online Statesman.

It's just so damned senseless. My thoughts are with Andy and his family. I hope he makes a full recovery.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

15. Thanks Sweetie

This is the first officer we've ever had shot in Llano County, or so I was told a little while ago. Everyone's pretty shaken up. His condition is critical but you never know he's young and he has that in his favor. We're keeping our fingers crossed.

[GOPisEvil]

16. I'll keep mine crossed too.

Wow, first officer ever. How sad. :(

[Jesus Saves]

14. The sheer senselessness of it is astounding

I hope and pray he recovers. So sad.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

17. Yes, it is astounding.

I've never been good at understanding what motivates a person to commit such an act of violence. It's just not within my scope of understanding.

Thank you for your prayers.

[shesemsmom]

18. I sending prayers right now for your friends quick recovery

and for you. Keep us posted!!!

[Merope215]

19. Oh, how awful

What a terrible thing. Since he is young and I'm sure in good shape, hopefully he will have a better chance.

I will keep everyone involved in my thoughts. Here's hoping for a quick and full recovery. :hug:

[Texasgal]

20. This has been big news today.

I was so sad to hear what had happened. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

:hug: