In the early morning hours of September 7, Louisville Metro (KY) Officer Brandon Haley spotted a vehicle several blocks in front of him driving without lights on West Kentucky Street. Officer Haley sped up to stop the vehicle. The vehicle turned left onto South 40th Street, and immediately stopped, straddling a sidewalk. Two occupants bailed out of the car and fled on foot toward a house on 40th Street. Haley stopped in the intersection and pursued on foot. As he crossed 40th Street, gunfire erupted from the house where the suspects had fled. Officer Haley was hit in the upper torso, fell to the ground, and returned fire while bullets ricocheted all around him. He was able to get up and notify dispatch he had been shot. Struggling to run, he retreated to the intersection and fell to the ground, still in harm’s way.
Officer Collin Billoto soon arrived on scene and went to Haley’s side. Shots again rang out from the house across the street. Officer Billoto dove to the ground and notified dispatch they were still receiving fire. With gun in hand, Billoto crawled back to Haley, grabbed him with his free hand, and started to drag Haley out of danger as he returned fire.
After he and Haley were out of the line of fire, Billoto started to administer first aid to his fallen comrade. In a few minutes, which seemed like hours, other officers arrived. Haley was carried to a police car, placed in the back seat, and rushed to the hospital with a life-threatening wound. Police secured the area, began negotiations, and arrested four men later that day. Heroin, fentanyl, crystal meth, in addition to several handguns and rifles were found in the house. As of the end of September, Officer Haley was still in critical, but stable condition.
In 1 Chronicles 11, the Bible recounts how David’s mighty warriors risked their lives for country, comrade, and king. The Bible says, “These things did the three mighty men” (v.19). What are the things America’s warriors do? They do things others can’t or are unwilling to do. They deal with people that others are afraid of or don’t know how to deal with. They see things others don’t want to see. They confront evil, get shot at, and put themselves in harm’s way all in an attempt to keep America’s streets safe. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” Officer Billoto was willing to do just that. He went into the line of fire and dragged his fellow officer to safety. Pray for Officer Haley’s full recovery; and thank God Officer Billoto was willing to lay down his life for his friend.
The Bible’s greatest warrior, Jesus Christ, laid down his life for all who trust in him for salvation. If you haven’t done so, put your faith in Jesus alone for your salvation.
Book Ministry
Saving America is receiving great reviews! Order your copy through Amazon or bulk order through the Strong Blue Line. Don’t forget the other books I use in ministry; here’s an Amazon review of “Winning a Gunfight”:
I just finished reading “Winning a Gunfight” by Tim Rupp and found it a very interesting, informative, and enjoyable read. As a retired police officer with experience investigating Officer-Involved Shootings, I found more reasons than I can list here why every police officer should read this book. Knowing that is improbable, I suggest that every department’s firearm training officer AND every command officer, read “Winning a Gunfight.” Instead of firearms training consisting of going to the pistol range and going through the motions needed to “qualify,” officers need to be trained as described in this book so that if the occasion arises, those officers will be the ones “Winning the Gunfight.” The book isn’t so overly technical that civilians would also find it interesting.
The Strong Blue Line on the Road
October found Sherry and I in Arkansas. The Strong Blue Line was presented at Big Fork Baptist Church in Mena. While there, we had time to relax and attend the 2023 Christian Motorcyclist Association’s Colors Rally. The last two months of this year we plan to stay in Idaho. I’m on federal jury duty for November and we’ll spend the Christmas holidays at home writing and preparing for travel in 2024.
Pray for your police.
