Signal 46

This is the first time I’ve had to save a Signal 46 (S-46: Unit in Distress – all available units will respond to render assistance) into the CAD system at work. A real Signal 46. It saddens me to know that these two officers were out working for the common good only to have their lives taken from them in this manner. Truly a tragedy. At least four of our officers assisted Berkeley County S.O. in their pursuit of the subject – regardless of the department or the agency, the units banded together in their attempt to bring the suspect to justice. I do not feel bad in saying that I will not lose any sleep over the fact that the suspect is no longer alive. I used to dispatch the BCSO deputy that reportedly took care of that matter.

Channel 2′s website was the first to show anything about the story, their updated copy advises (as I already knew) that the first officer shot and killed was Officer Lonnie Wells. They have not released, or the media has not advised, the name of the second officer. Channel 5 is not showing anything, not that I can locate anyways, and the P&C has posted a short blurb, similar to Channel 2′s ‘breaking news’ spot.

The news at 10/11 tonight should have more information. I’m not sure how much they release – it will be interesting to see the spin that the agency puts on it to the media.