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| Mark with a peaceful protestor in Springfield, MO |
Back on May 31 I posted a blog in which I referred to a man in Springfield, MO. The man, Mark, is a father of two, husband to Heather, a major supporter of Special Olympics, and a law enforcement office.
Our families have been personal and professional friends for decades. Her grandfather was Hubby's extended families' doctor. I was in a church woman's group with Heather's maternal grandmother. We have known Heather since she was in grade school. Heather and our son dated through most of his high school years.
Having only met Mark once the main connection is through Heather. There was an awareness the she and Mark struggled to conceive and carry to term her two miracles. Through Facebook connections Heather's friends cheered her on as she has fought through life threatening issues over the last couple of years. First was with diverticulitis that ruptured her intestines twice. That issue led to the discovery of cancer. Chemo, radiation, surgeries, temporary colostomies and all the hospital and treatment time that goes with it. Always, always Mark was there.
Here is a bit more about Mark and his work in Special Olympics. Yesterday morning Mark left for work in the Springfield Police Headquarters. This morning Heather found this note, much like the one he has left every morning for her over the last 20 years of marriage.
The following is an official statement from the Springfield Police Department as to events that occurred yesterday morning:
June 9, 2020
Officer Struck by Vehicle Outside of Police Headquarters
On June 9, 2020, at approximately 9:30 a.m. officers were notified of a white male at the front entrance of Springfield Police Headquarters (321 E Chestnut Expressway) causing a disturbance and urinating on the front door. Officers contacted him and asked him to leave.
He then got into a white SUV, drove away, then circled back through the parking lot, heading toward the front entrance of Police Headquarters.
He accelerated directly toward the officer who was standing in front of the building. The officer attempted to get out of the way, but it appears the driver intentionally struck the officer who became trapped under the vehicle. The vehicle continued forward with the officer still trapped and struck a concrete bollard.
A second officer yelled at the driver to stop and get out of the vehicle and when he refused and continued to drive forward, the officer fired shots striking the suspect and stopping the vehicle.
Both the officer and the suspect were sent to the hospital to be treated for their injuries.
The suspect has been identified as 28-year-old Jon Tyler Franklin Routh.
The injured officer is Officer Mark Priebe, a 21-year veteran of the Springfield Police Department.
The lobby at headquarters is closed until further advised. Citizens may conduct regular business at the South District Station (2620 W. Battlefield Rd.) until 7:00 p.m. today.
# # #
Media Contact Jasmine Bailey, Public Affairs Officer
JNBailey@Springfieldmo.gov
(417) 864-1786
Release authorized by Chief Paul Williams
Since all this was happening two states away it was only through Facebook we heard of the tragedy. Heather posted first she was trying to get to her husband who had been run over not shot. Once she and the family met with the surgeons and doctors she reported on Mark's injuries. "He has multiple rib fractures, road rash, pleural effusion and spinal cord injury. As of right now he will likely never walk again."
8:14 and he is headed to surgery.
8:59 surgery started
10:22 pm. Nurse just called they are still working on him and everything is going as discussed.
12:02 Surgery is done! 
Every went great. Spine is fused from T10-S1.
If he continues to do well over the next few days he will go to rehab hospital by the end of the week. We have a long road to recovery....we got this!
Positive attitude will be the only attitude we have!
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Heather's nine year old daughter said at one point during the long day there would be no more attending the father daughter dances. Heather's response, "Your dad will just go in a wheelchair!" That is the type of courage and hope our world needs.
Y'all all take care.
Janice
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteAdded to my list for healing prayers... YAM xx
Thank you, YAM. namaste, janice xx
DeleteSince I've been in a wheelchair unexpectedly for two years I can certainly sympathize.
ReplyDeleteFG, I had thought about you as I was reading about Mark and his condition.
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