CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Former Boone County Sheriff Rodney Miller recognizes law enforcement agencies deal with an elevated risk of danger daily, but he notes it does not mean it is easy coping with the death of an officer or deputy.
“If you’re in law enforcement very long, you’re going to see this,” he told MetroNews. “We always hope and pray that it doesn’t happen again, but unfortunately, that’s the society in which we live.”
Miller’s comments come as Nicholas County residents and law enforcement officials mourn the death of Deputy Tom Baker. Baker and Cpl. J. Ellison were responding to a call in the Birch River area on Friday when Baker was shot in the back and Ellison received a gunshot wound to his leg.
Multiple public officials have extended their sympathies to Baker’s family and colleagues. A memorial has been set up at the steps of the Nicholas County Courthouse.
Miller, the executive director of the West Virginia Sheriff’s Association, said the immediate reaction is heartbreak.
“When you lose someone like Deputy Baker, it’s a slap in the face to the community,” he said.
According to Miller, Baker served as a school resource officer, in which he developed relationships with families involved in the Nicholas County Schools system.
“When you get to the point that you’re a staple in the community, it stings a little harder when you lose someone like that,” Miller explained. “It magnifies the loss.”
Miller noted communities cannot forget the risks law enforcement face daily, and sheriff’s departments must also learn from tragedy to improve local relationships.
“Hopefully, out of tragedy, we can make a better place,” he said. “While you can’t forget, we’ve got to learn and try to help each other and move forward together.”
Authorities said one suspect — 36-year-old Richie Holcomb — died in an altercation with law enforcement. Brent Tyler Kelly, 28, has been charged with first-degree murder.
According to the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department, candlelight vigil will take place Sunday at 9:30 p.m. on the steps of the Nicholas County Courthouse.