One year later, community honors Bridgewater officers killed in shooting

By SHIRIN ZIA FAQIRI The Breeze

Frigid air hung over the growing crowd at Bridgewater College who tracked over the muddy ground from the previous night’s fallen snow. Community members stood before a podium in front of Memorial Hall, clouds lingering in the sky as they waited for the memorial event at the site of the shooting one year ago. As each speaker spoke, the clouds broke and the sun shined through, warming the crowd.

It’s been one year since Campus Police Officer John Painter and Campus Safety Officer J.J. Jefferson died in the line of duty. One year of grief, healing and hope.

On Wednesday, Bridgewater College held a gathering of remembrance to break ground on a memorial site to honor Painter and Jefferson outside Bridgewater’s Memorial Hall.

“Since that devastating day, we have all been on a journey — a journey of grief, a journey of healing, a journey of hope for the day when tragedies like this are forever banished from the world,” Rev. Robert Miller, Bridgewater College chaplain, said. “We gather to break ground on a site that will honor officers John Painter and J.J. Jefferson that will bring comfort and healing to our broken hearts, and that will inspire those who journey here for generations to come.”

Speakers at the gathering looked back on Feb. 1 one year ago, remembering the officers’ sacrifice. Bridgewater junior Karis David recalled the mixed emotions that came after the lockdown. She described reuniting with her friends once it was safe to do so.

“I remember … the vibrant sunset, time slowed down and we stood there taking it all in. Relief and grief, love and loss, shock yet peace, sorrow yet gratitude,” David said. “There was relief to be in one another’s arms again, gratitude for this life and the people around us and also shock over what we just went through and grief over the loss of John and J.J. who are no longer with us in the same way. It is a lot to hold at the same time.”

Bridgewater College Police Chief Milton Franklin said he’s focused on being grateful — grateful for Painter’s and Jefferson’s heroism for the safety of the campus.

“I’m very grateful to John and J.J. for protecting this campus, the place where they love and where they were loved by students and employees likewise,” Franklin said. “Every one of us, every last one of us, left this campus safe.” see BRIDGEWATER, page 4

“It’s a process we’ve had in place for a while, and it allows us to make sure that fans are getting access to the best possible seats,” Kevin Warner, JMU assistant athletic director for communication, said. “It allows us to also make sure that access to seats matches donation levels.”

Football’s 8-3 season saw all-time high season ticket sales. On the first day, season tickets were already on pace to break last year’s all-time record of 7,708 packages purchased, with roughly 1,100 season tickets sold on the first day.

That number is up to over 2,300 season tickets sold now.

“The first year was like a trial and error year,” Warner said. “And this year, it’s like, okay, you’re seeing automatic progression of what are some of those progressions.”

Even though the 2023 home game dates aren’t fully announced, it’s still enough for some fans to get excited for when the fall arrives.

“I think that’s when you look at why we made the decision to join the Sun Belt,” Warner said. “This year’s home schedule validates it. Look at App State and Old Dominion and Georgia Southern and even UConn as a nonconference game. Those are teams people know.” see RESEATING, page 12