WASHINGTON COUNTY (KFSM) -- It has been a tough year for law enforcement officers across the nation. With a country divided, officers have recently found themselves as innocent targets.
Wednesday (Aug. 10) morning, Sebastian County Deputy Bill Cooper was shot and killed by a gunman.
The news of Cooper’s death hit close to home for Myrrah Mueller. Mueller’s husband, Paul, was shot and killed in the line of duty in 1981.
“It does hit home a lot when [officers] are killed. It really hits me right in the face,” Mueller said. “I have shed many tears, because I keep thinking of all the people, and families, who are losing a husband or a wife. Or, the kids now without a daddy.”
Mueller’s husband was killed by a gunman who was accused of robbing a bank. It has been more than 35 years since Paul Mueller died.
“He had just come in and had a cup of coffee. He left the house, and two minutes later he was shot and killed,” Mueller said.
Mueller said her heart was broken when she learned Cooper was shot, and killed.
“Lord, help me get through this,” Mueller said. “I need prayer, because it is really hitting home whenever I started hearing all of this.”
Mueller said she knows the pain the Cooper family is going through, something most will never be able to relate to.
A practicing Christian, Mueller said she relied on her faith in Jesus Christ to get her through the tough time 35 year ago.
“I pray [the Cooper’s] are close, and can ask the Lord to help them,” Mueller said. “It wasn’t easy [coping with loss.] I thought I wouldn’t make it either, and I did.”
Mueller said her thoughts, and prayers, were with Cooper’s family, and the rest of the law enforcement community.
“I think we need to get rid of the devil, and put the Lord back in our lives, to stop all of this,” Mueller said.
Mueller encouraged the public to reach out and support the law enforcement community.
“Say ‘hi’ to them. Visit with them. Get to know them,” Mueller said. “Police officers are there to help you. They are not bad people.”