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Apr 3, 2009 5:03 pm US/Central
Town Of Bridgeport Mourns Slain Police Officer
WISE COUNTY (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
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Sgt. Randy White
KTVT / KTXA
The small town of Bridgeport is mourning the loss of its first officer killed in the line of duty.
"It's a small town, you know. And when that hits your town it hits you," explained Bridgeport resident Jerry Szymanski.
Sgt. Randy White was killed while trying to clear traffic ahead of a police chase. Investigators say the suspect they were chasing slammed into the back of White's patrol car. Sgt. White, who'd been with the police department five years, died at the scene. He leaves behind a wife and a child.
"He was a great police officer. Very dedicated young man. Very loyal to our organization," said Bridgeport Assistant Police Chief Steve Stanford. "But beyond that he was a great man, a great Man of God."
Friday, a steady stream of people stopped at a flower draped patrol car in front of the police department to pay their respects and sign a book with condolences for the family.
Many people left notes of support to tell White's family they are not alone. "I feel much better now that the mother knows people in Bridgeport care about him and just don't think that he's a police officer, he was well respected in the community. He was a great guy," said Bridgeport resident Daniella Minditea.
The small police department, with just 16 remaining officers, welcomed well-wishers who brought food to the officers.
The suspect, Stephen York, was being chased for a traffic violation by Wise County deputies when the crash happened on Highway 114. The initial chase started in Decatur.
"The City of Decatur has offered their officers and dispatchers and any services they can give," police department employee Erica McComis explained. "And you just couldn't ask for a better community than we have here."
According to police, York may have intentionally crashed into White's patrol car. The 44-year-old is hospitalized in the custody of Texas Rangers. York has been charged with capital murder, with bond set at $1 million.
A fund has been set up to aid Sgt. White's surviving wife and five-year old daughter. To learn more about the
Randy White Family Memorial Fund call: First State Bank of Bridgeport at 940-683-6300, or Community Bank at 940-683-4191.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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