Cass County GOP recognizes heroes

Members of law enforcement and local citizens were honored by the Cass County GOP for

their efforts in averting mass casualties when an armed man in July 2022 randomly fired

shots at passing cars before attempting to enter a store in Vandalia.

The ceremony took place during the Cass County GOP’s Chili and Cornbread Cook Off on

Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Cassopolis First Church of God Fellowship Hall.

“I’m happy the Cass County GOP hosted this ceremony. We are proud of our law

enforcement teams and the citizens who helped stop a potential mass shooting, and we

wanted to commemorate these heroes,” said Roger Boyer, Vice Chair.

Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fritz gave a presentation that included details of the event as

it unfolded through the capture and arrest of the man who was firing a gun at passing cars

before attempting to enter the Dollar General store in Vandalia.

Recognized for their efforts were Sheriff Clint Roach, retired Sheriff’s Detective Kevin Cook,

Sheriff’s Captain Tom Jacobs, Sheriff’s Sergeant Jeff Johnson, Cassopolis Police Chief Todd

McMichael, and citizens Patti Ballard-Works, Jeanette Lawson, Kurt Galloway, Justin

Colpitts, and Aaron Aroma. Dan Adams presented a certificate of appreciation as well as an

American flag (donated by The Flagpole Company) to each of the honorees.

The Cass County GOP also would like to thank State Representatives Steve Carra, State

Representative Brad Paquette, and Anthony Forlini, Macomb County Clerk and candidate

seeking the Republican nomination for Secretary of State, for taking time from their busy

schedules to attend the Cook Off and recognition ceremony.