Three local individuals were recognized at Tuesday night’s Batesville City Council meeting for coming to the aid of a Batesville Police Department (BPD) officer wounded by gunshots after responding to a domestic disturbance call. Joseph Penn, Shannon Briley and Ronatta Moser came to the aid of BPD officer Michael Dickinson after he was shot several times by Martin Stair, who was later shot to death by officers. The incident occurred earlier this month on Neeley St. in Batesville.
Penn, who lives near where the shooting took place, went to assist Dickinson as shots were still being fired. Briley and Moser, employees of the nearby Wood-Lawn Heights Nursing Facility, provided medical assistance to the wounded officer at the scene. Briley and Moser were presented with a Lifesaver Award by Alan Cockril, police chief of the BPD, for their actions at the meeting. Penn was unable to attend the meeting, but will also receive the award.
Mayor Rick Elumbaugh noted the actions of all three most likely saved Dickinson’s life. The officer was released from the hospital last week after several surgeries.
The mayor and council also recognized Johnny Coles, the street superintendent for the city, for completing the ROADS Scholar program. The program, sponsored by the University of Arkansas Center for Training Transportation Professionals, provides information and technology to local personnel responsible for constructing and maintaining roads and streets. Elumbaugh presented Coles with a certificate for the accomplishment. Coles has worked for the city for 37 years.
Also at the meet, Trey Moody, 13, an Eagle Scout, presented the city with a flag collection box..
Reported by Bob Qualls
Alan Cockrill (far left), BPD police chief, and Rick Elumbaugh, mayor of Batesville, present Ronatta Moser (in red) and Shannon Briley (far right) with a Lifesaver Award at Tuesday’s Batesville City Council meet. Also receiving an award but not present for the photo is Joseph Penn.
Mayor Elumbaugh recognizes Johnny Coles (right) for completing the ROADS Scholar program.
Eagle Scout Trey Moody, 13, presented the Batesville City Council with a flag collection box.
All photos by Bob Qualls
