ROCKINGHAM — Two officers were honored for their actions during a shootout at a local apartment complex this summer.
Sgt. James F. Hooks and Officer Charles B. Talley of the Rockigham Police Department were presented with the Meritorious Service award during the Nov. 10 meeting of the Rockingham City Council.
Chief George Gillenwater said the plaques that were presented “really don’t do justice to what these men went through” during a shooting at the Crown Point Apartments in August.
Gillenwater said the investigation is still ongoing so he couldn’t release too many details. However, the chief said he has watched all the body-worn camera video from the incident “and it plays just like something out of ‘Blackhawk Down’ or any action movie you can think of.”
More than 1,000 spent rounds were collected at the scene, according to Gillenwater.
“Every member of that shift was integral in making sure that the scene was safe once the active-shooter was taken care of,” Gillenwater said, thanking the rest of the team. “Talley and Hooks go beyond anything we could have asked anyone to do, but every one of those boys did just an outstanding job.”
Sgt. James Hooks, left, is pinned with the Meritorious Service award by Assistant Chief Richard Greene.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
According to the plaque, as read by the chief, Talley and Hooks arrived on scene and were “confronted with a large crowd occupying the majority of the roadway and surrounding parking lots.
“Almost immediately, gunfire erupted from within the crowd, creating an imminent and grave threat to the lives of those present; and without hesitation and in complete disregard” for their own safety, Hooks and Talley “advanced toward the source of the gunfire and confronted the armed subject while shots continued to be fired into a large crowd.”
Through their “decisive actions, courage, and unwavering commitment to the protection of others,” Hooks and Talley were able to “deter and bring an end to the continued gunfire, preventing what could have resulted in significant property damage and, most importantly, serious injuries or loss of life.”
Gillenwater previously told the RO that a female victim was shot in the leg and a responding officer applied a tourniquet. A male was also shot in the leg during the incident. While there were no other reported injuries, several apartments and vehicles were damaged.
“The brave and selfless actions” of Hooks and Talley, the award continues, “directly contributed to the preservation of life and exemplified the highest ideals of courage, duty, and service.” Their willingness to place themselves “in harm’s way to protect innocent citizens is both admirable and distinguished.”
Gillenwater presented the plaques and each officer was pinned: Hooks by Assistant Chief Richard Greene; and Talley by Maj. Hunter Thomas.
Officer Charles B. Talley, left, is pinned by Maj. Hunter Thomas.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer
According to the chief, this is Hooks’ second Meritorious Service award and both times involved an armed assailant. The incident was his third encounter with an armed assailant.
The chief also said there was a time that officers had a better chance of being struck by lightning than using their weapon.
During the incident, Gillenwater said Talley was training a rookie officer. The rookie reportedly started to chase down “the perceived bad guy” but Talley had “the wherewithal amongst everything that’s going on” to call the rookie back.
“They didn’t know this, but there was another armed assailant with an Uzi standing right where this rookie officer was going to,” Gillenwater said. “There is no doubt in my mind ,had he not fallen back, that might have been it for our rookie.”
Both Talley and Hooks started their careers with the Hamlet Police Department. Hooks has been with RPD for 10 years and Talley for seven. Gillenwater said Talley will be promoted to sergeant next month.
Prior to the presentation, Gillenwater thanked the council for their support of the department’s training budget each year.
“I venture to guess that if these two gentlemen tonight hadn’t received the training they have had through their career, things would have probably gone a lot differently,” the chief said.
Councilman Bennett Deane said he was committed to continue “to provide what’s needed to keep these guys safe and out of harm’s way as much as possible.”
Councilwoman Debbie Wrenn added thanks to the officers’ families: “That’s not an easy assignment.”
“It really is hard to find the words,” said Mayor John Hutchinson. “When we look at the … annual report, we sometimes will make the comment that when an officer comes in, he doesn’t know — or she doesn’t know — what they’re going to face that day.
“It could be anything from a routine day to a day where you’re trying to put an end to a threat and keep civilians safe and your own life is in danger,” the mayor said. “We really do appreciate that commitment, that willingness to serve in the face of all that uncertainty.”
