Patrolman Donald W. Gaskin

Officer Gaskin and Detective Ratliff were shot and killed during an armed robbery at a local grocery store.

While the two suspects were inside the store, Officer Gaskin arrived at the scene.

The suspect ordered the store clerk to open the door and as Officer Gaskin entered he was shot by the suspect.

Backup officers arrived just as Officer Gaskin was shot. During the ensuing shootout Detective Ratliff was killed and two other officers were seriously wounded. The two suspects were also wounded.

Officer Gaskin succumbed to his wounds before reaching the hospital.

Detective Ratliff succumbed to his injuries approximately five hours later during surgery.