http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/asoundport_1043.mp3
The funeral for Greene County Sheriff's Deputy Gary McCormack was held at Second Baptist Church in Springfield this afternoon. McCormack was killed Saturday morning when another emergency responder hit his patrol car. The church was nearly full with family and friends and row after row of uniformed law enforcement officers. The open casket was at the front of the church, draped with an American flag and flanked by two uniformed officers. In this sound portrait from today's service, you'll hear first from Jeff Ussery, who knew Gary McCormack from their years together in the Republic Police Department. Then, we'll hear from Bryan Smith, also from the Republic Police Department and Greene County Chief Deputy Jim Arnott. (KSMU's Missy Shelton produced this report.)
Jeff Ussery: I met Gary McCormack about 9 years ago at the Republic Police Department when we first started. Gary at that point, I knew would be a friend as we had much the same personality. Gary was always joking around and adding light to everyone's life. He was always joking with everybody in the office.
Bryan Smith: I was one of those rookies Jeff talked about that Gary loved to pick on so much. I got hired by Republic 8 months ago. I was fortunate, blessed, one of the lucky ones who got to have Gary through two phases of my training. I wanted to share a personal story. I know you've seen me walking around with these shoes. Throughout my training, Gary always told me, "Sometimes, it calls to be sneaky, covert, quiet." I struggled in this area of training. So one day, we were looking for this guy and Gary was trying to get me to be sneaky and covert and of course, I blew that out of the water and Gary said, "Smitty! You're like a dog wearing wooden shoes. Anybody could hear you coming." When I completed my training and was released, Gary had these shoes waiting for me. And Gary was like, "Here are your wooden shoes, buddy cause you're going to need them."
Jeff Ussery: At this time, I'd like to ask Chief Arnott to come up and make a presentation to the family.
Jim Arnott: Gary's long term career goal was to graduate from the FBI National Academy. On behalf of our brothers in the FBI, Gary, before we lay you to rest, I want to present you with a diploma for being a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Brother, we love you. We want you to know you've now accomplished your goal.
Jeff Ussery: I want everyone to remember Gary not only as a police officer but as a good man. There wasn't a better man anywhere than Gary McCormack.
(music fades out)