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 in July 2022 when an armed man 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 Fitz 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. Chairman Dan Adams presented a certificate of appreciation and an American flag (donated by The Flagpole Company) to each of the honorees.

The Cass County GOP also would like to thank State Representative 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.