Page 1 of 2

Prayers For Family Of Friend Shot And Killed Today

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 3:46 pm
by carlson1
http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?new ... 6369&rfi=8
Police shot and killed a Smith County man after a standoff that began when he shot and killed a constable, authorities said.

After more than three hours, Joseph Earl Walsh, 52, emerged from the house armed and aggressive when Tyler police shot him, said Jean Dark of the Department of Public Safety. He was taken away in an ambulance. Multiple Smith County officials, requesting anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, said Walsh died.

The officials identified the dead officer as Constable Dale Geddie. A second officer, identified as a Smith County Sheriff's deputy, was shot and injured when responding with Geddie to a domestic disturbance call at about 10:43 a.m.

Shawn Walker, a man who identified himself as Walsh's stepson, told Tyler television station KLTV that his father killed an officer. "My stepfather shot the policeman," he said through tears.

Dark, a public information officer for the Department of Public Safety, said Walsh released a woman and a small child from the house before he emerged. The woman and child were seen walking to an ambulance.

Walsh had told officers "it will be over by five o' clock," according to police radio communications. Smith County Sheriff's Lt. Larry Wiginton said the shooter was armed with a deer rifle and at least 150 rounds of armor-piercing ammunition. Other police communications indicated the man had multiple pistols and rifles, and that his father was in a Department of Public Safety vehicle being questioned by officers.

One of Geddie's deputies was seen crying as fellow officers consoled him. Officials said Geddie's parents were brought to the scene.

An officer who was trapped in an unsafe area near the house in northern Smith County was evacuated in an armored personnel carrier after 1 p.m. Blood was visible in the vehicle when the door opened. Dark said all officers who were in immediate danger near the house had been evacuated before Walsh emerged.

Federal, state and local officers surrounded the house, which has metal bars on the windows, and snipers were positioned in the area. The house is near the intersection of Mary Ann Street and Pine Springs Drive, just off U.S. Highway 271 north of Tyler.

Some neighbors were evacuated, and others were told to stay inside their homes away from doors and windows until the standoff ended.

Mark Collette covers Smith County. He can be reached at 903.596.6303. e-mail: news@tylerpaper.com

Kenneth Dean covers police, fire, public safety organizations. He can be reached at 903.596.6353. e-mail: news@tylerpaper.com


©Tyler Morning Telegraph 2006

Dale Geddie and his dad were both long time LEO in the Tyler/Smith County area. They are a good family.

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:06 pm
by Cosmo 9
When it rains it pours. I am sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out to his family and freinds. :cry:

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:45 pm
by sparx
That is indeed very sad to hear. My prayer has gone out, and I'm sure more will follow when I get home and tell my wife the news (if she hasn't heard already). Constable Dale Geddie's death marks a terrible loss on earth, but a great treasure in Heaven, I'm sure.

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:48 pm
by Glockamolie
Very, very sorry to hear. My prayers go out to everyone affected by this horrible act.

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:53 pm
by The Marshal
Prayers sent.

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 6:06 pm
by txinvestigator
A tragic event all around. Prayers for all

Part of me is glad that at least we will be spared a trial.

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 6:29 pm
by carlson1
txinvestigator wrote:Part of me is glad that at least we will be spared a trial.
You know, I wanted to say that. That is the way I feel. I watched some of the news clipping today and the BG's stepson was on TV. I have never felt so sorry for someone in my whole life. If people would only STOP and think first. . . A whole lot of people were affected not just on the good side.

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:03 pm
by GrannyGlock
My prayers go out as well. When I heard it on the nw tonight, I knew it would personally affect some of you. I am so sorry.

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:09 pm
by jbirds1210
:cry: Very sad. My prayers are with the family.

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 8:18 pm
by seamusTX
I'm sorry to hear of this loss of someone who put his life on the line for public safety.

- Jim

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 9:42 pm
by Charles L. Cotton
What a tragedy for the family. Martha and I will remember the family in our prayers.

Chas.

Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 6:09 am
by John
my prayers go out to his family.

Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 6:15 am
by Diode
Very sad indeed, my family will remember them in our prayers as well.

Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 7:47 am
by gigag04
+1 on prayers for all! God bless the families and friends.

-nick

Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2006 11:46 am
by Skipper5
So tragic.....my wife and I were so saddened when we saw the news last night....My brother's a CHL and lives in Tyler and knows alot of the LEOs down there...he did not know the Constable personally, but a friend of his did.....so tragic.