By C1 Staff
HINDMAN, Ky. — Corrections officers with the Kentucky Department of Corrections packed a courtroom Thursday to show support for a colleague shot in the line of duty.
Corrections Officer Brian Melvin and three Probation and Parole officers were shot at by Rocky Wicker Sr. while trying to serve a warrant on Wicker’s son, according to WKYT.
Wicker is charged with attempted murder and wanton endangerment.
Melvin was struck in the arm; he underwent surgery and has since recovered.
Danny McGraw, a Little Sandy Regional Complex Senior Captain, said he wanted to support a man who is like a brother to him.
“I know I can go and do my job and I know I got family,” McGraw said “They are more family than they are coworkers.”
DOC Commissioner LaDonna Thompson said the officers want to send a message.
“You saw them in there with their vests on. There is a reason why they wear those vests,” Thompson said. “It’s to protect them because they are at risk every day.”
So many officers showed for the hearing that the judge asked for them to call ahead of time so that they could be better accommodated for the next hearing.
Wicker is due back in court Dec. 8. All the officers who were present at the first hearing plan to appear for the next.