WEST MEMPHIS -- The unveiling of a memorial Thursday for nine lawmen and a firefighter who died serving Crittenden County was painful for former West Memphis Police Chief Bob Paudert.
Paudert's son, Sgt. Brandon Paudert, was gunned down with officer William "Bill" Evans during a May 20, 2010, traffic stop on Interstate 40 on the western edge of the Crittenden County town.
"It was the worst moment of my life," he said. "And seeing this brings the pain back.
"But it's meaningful, and it's worth it. It makes us aware of what Brandon and Bill got into."
More than 300 gathered at Worthington Park in the center of town for the unveiling of the memorial, a large, rust-colored steel structure with four entrances that was designed by students of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville's architecture and landscaping departments. Inside are 10 black marble plaques with the names of those who died over the past 119 years.
"You put public service above yourselves," state Sen. Keith Ingram, D-West Memphis, said during the dedication of the memorial. "I think until May 20, 2010, citizens did not realize the importance law enforcement plays. That day, we were instantly reminded of your sacrifice. Today, we appreciate you more than ever."
Evans stopped a van at an I-40 exit, and Paudert soon arrived to assist. Officials said Joseph Kane, the teenage son of the van's driver, Jerry Kane, shot the officers with an AK-47 assault rifle. Law enforcement officers killed both Kanes during a shootout in a West Memphis Wal-Mart parking lot about an hour after the two officers were fatally shot.
Bob Paudert said he was near the scene when he received a call that two officers were shot. He didn't know who they were until he arrived.
"Seeing my son lying there shot and trying to make decisions as a chief was the most difficult day of my life," he said. "Everything changed that day. I'll never be the same person after May 20.
"This memorial helps. They'll be here forever."
Paudert retired as the chief three months later and now speaks to groups across the country about police shootings.
Rosa Waters of Houston shaded her eyes from the sun Thursday and smiled when looking at the memorial. Her son, West Memphis police officer Michael Waters, was killed during a pursuit on I-40 in West Memphis on Sept. 11, 2003.
"He would have liked seeing everyone here," she said. "He would have liked this memorial.
"There are still times I want to call him up and talk to him. I wish I could call him and tell him how many people came out."
Along with the three West Memphis officers, the memorial also pays tribute to Crittenden County Deputy Alfred Werner, who died Aug. 6, 1895; Deputy Charles Goad, who died June 9, 1941; Deputy Roy Curtis, who died Feb. 9, 1944; Deputy Carlton Phillips, who died Sept. 5, 1980; Arkansas State Police Sgt. Frederick Glen Bailey, who died Sept. 5, 1980; Arkansas State Police Cpl. Mark Carthron, who died Sept. 12, 2005; and West Memphis firefighter David Eason, who died Jan. 26, 2011.
"This will be with us for the rest of our lives," Paudert said. "We need to continue on with our lives, but we need to be aware of what all [those memorialized] went through."
State Desk on 06/06/2014