On Wednesday, July 10th, 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) presented "Director Certificates" to several Kilgore PD Officers and members of the NorthEast Texas Regional SWAT Team. The awards were presented by FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Geoffrey McGuire (Dallas Field Division), Supervisory Senior Resident Agent William Sivley, Special Agent Joshua Matthews, and FBI Task Force Officer Kenneth Gardner. The awards were given on behalf of FBI Director Christopher Wray during a ceremony at the training facility, attended by City Leaders, Kilgore and Henderson staff, friends, and family.
The awarded officers were:
Kilgore PD
- Lt. Joey Chitwood (SWAT Commander)
- Sgt. Joshua Vercher (SWAT)
- Corporal Shawn Isbell (SWAT)
- Corporal Brad Greener (SWAT)
- Sgt. Tim Dukes
- Detective Kaci Holland
- Detective Justin Murphy (Not Pictured)
Henderson PD
- Officer Clint Case (SWAT)
- Officer Amber King (SWAT)
- Officer Kiegan Basso (SWAT)
- Officer Josiah Lemelin (SWAT)
The FBI issued the following statement: "The FBI extends its appreciation for your outstanding assistance in a joint investigative effort. Your contributions were immeasurable, and you have the gratitude of the FBI for all you did to help accomplish the objective of the investigation. You can be proud of the role you played, and I join my associates with whom you worked in congratulating you on a job well done."
The case, still pending adjudication, involves the prevention of a planned mass shooting. The lone adult suspect, who did not intend to carry out the act in Kilgore but in another jurisdiction, was arrested while leaving a residence in Kilgore.
Kilgore Police Chief Todd Hunter stated, "In my 32 years of law enforcement, I've never seen local officers receive the FBI Director Certificate of Merit. I am so proud of all involved, including those out-of-town Detectives and Federal Agents who acted on the information they received to stop this action before it could occur. Too often, we hear about tragedies but not the investigations that prevent them."
