In 2001, after Country Singer Alan Jackson saw the news about the attack on the Twin Towers, he penned the words to his song “When the World Stopped Turning”. Perhaps never had an artist, in one song, summed up the collective emotions of an entire country. He admitted later in an interview, that he wasn’t in the mood to write a patriotic song, though he, like most of us, felt a strong sense of anger.
“I didn’t want to forget about how I felt,” said Jackson, “and how I knew other people felt that day.”
The song starts with the lyric: “Where were you when the world stopped turnin’, that September day.”
Well, it has been 10 years since the World Stopped Turning in Monroe County.
It was around 6 PM, the time all law enforcement expects a shift change, on September 13, 2014; when all Monroe County public safety personnel got the call that two of their own deputies were involved in a line-of-duty shooting. Word of a horrifying sequence of events traveled quickly through the first responder community.
Deputy Jeff Wilson and Deputy Michael Norris responded to a call that was dispatched as a possible suicide call. Little did anyone know at the time; it was really a call for “Suicide by Cop”; where an individual intends to act in a threatening manner to provoke police to use lethal force. The events that transpired thereafter will forever evoke sadness and pain amongst those involved and their families; and the only details which really are worthwhile telling are that two heroes went into harm’s way to uphold the law and peace in our community. Both were shot. One barely survived after detaining the assailant and acting bravely in hopes of saving his friend and partner, who was desperately wounded.
In the minutes that followed… the World Stopped Turning in Monroe County, Georgia.
Deputy Norris was on his way to the Trauma 1 Hospital in Macon, while those charged with getting him there were doing all they could do to save him. As word traveled, the entire community showed its support through an outpouring of prayers and offers to help in any way they could. If ever there was a community in America which, in that moment, deeply wanted its law enforcement to know they were with them, it was Forsyth and Monroe County.
Despite the efforts and prayers of so many, Deputy Norris passed away the next day. Giving his life was not his last act of kindness and heroism. He was a registered organ donor and gave life even after his own death. As if anyone needed any more convincing; this young man was one of the absolute best of us.
The next week was a whirlwind. Public safety agencies of all kinds and types journeyed to our community. For a moment, there was no black or white or rich or poor; people put whatever they were doing aside in a moment of unity which is so rarely seen or experienced. The Chamber of Commerce decorated the entire City of Forsyth with beautiful blue bows and décor. The entire county was lit up with blue: porch lights, lamps and anything that could be caused to shine blue was made to. People were selling shirts, making bracelets, and truly came together as a family. Though one would expect the community to be outraged, somehow it found the will to put differences aside and express peace, love, and support for each other.
As we all deal with the mixed emotions that go along with both a tragedy and a celebration of life and heroism, please think about Michael and Jeff. Lets all pray for the Norris and Wilson families, our law enforcement and first responders, and for ourselves. That we will always be grateful for those who have served us selflessly and given their all. In a world of chaos and division, perhaps we could all honor Deputy Norris by taking a bit of inspiration from our friend Mr. Jackson.
“Faith, Hope, and Love are some good things He gave us
And the Greatest is Love
And the Greatest is Love
Where were you when the world stopped turnin’,
On that September Day?”
*For those inspired to give, the Monroe Reporter started a Memorial Scholarship in the wake of this tragedy. Over the years over $80k has been given to graduating seniors of Mary Persons who are planning careers in public service. Tax Exempt Donations can be made directly to the 501C3 by mailing a check to: PO Box 795, Forsyth, GA 31029.
Accounting by Stephanie Mercer
Co-Written by Stephanie Mercer
