KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Following Friday’s tragic shooting of two Wyandotte County Sheriff’s deputies, fellow officers gathered at a bar to come together and keep the two deputies in their thoughts and prayers.
At Chicago’s bar on Central Ave, deputies often come after their shift to hang out and talk with fellow officers and bartenders.
On Friday night though, things felt much different.
“I’m sure they’re angry. They’re upset. They’re heartbroken,” said bartender Keeley Hanson. “I knew it wasn’t going to be good because I know every single one of them and it’s just heartbreaking.”
The shooting occurred outside the Wyandotte County Correctional and Court Services building as the deputies were transporting inmates.
Investigators said one inmate may have gotten hold of one of the officer’s guns and opened fire, killing one deputy and leaving another in critical condition.
On Friday, Hanson said she knew the female deputy who was hurt.
“Hearing it was her, you’re lost for words,” Hanson said. “She always had a smile on her face. She was always just a sweetheart and always been super nice to me.”
After hearing about her friend recovering at the hospital, Hanson said she would keep her close in her thoughts and prayers.
“I know she’s a fighter and I know she’ll give it her all,” she said.
Following a painful and heartbreaking day for deputies on Friday, Hanson hoped they would continue coming around to Chicago’s knowing they’re not alone.
“It’s hard to see something like this happen to one of them,” she explained. “They know that we’re behind them and they can all be together here.”
