'I wouldn't be here': Cadets pay tribute to officer who died stopping Old Dominion shooter

ROTC cadets at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, gathered last month to honor and pay tribute to the campus police officer who died while stopping an armed shooter who entered their classroom. The cadets, who were preparing to leave their military science class on February 1, initially mistook the armed individual for someone arriving early for the next session before the officer intervened. The quick and decisive actions of the officer, who engaged the shooter and prevented further casualties, saved the lives of the cadets present that day. The emotional tribute ceremony featured cadets sharing personal testimonies about the officer's heroism, with many stating directly, 'I wouldn't be here today' without his intervention. University officials joined the cadets in commemorating the officer's sacrifice, highlighting how his response followed active shooter protocols and prevented what could have been a mass casualty event. The ceremony served both as a memorial for the fallen officer and as a recognition of the training and preparedness that enabled his lifesaving actions. The incident has sparked renewed discussions about campus safety protocols and the role of campus police in university settings. Old Dominion University has announced a review of its security measures while emphasizing the effectiveness of their existing response systems, as demonstrated by the officer's actions. The university community continues to process the traumatic event while expressing gratitude for the officer's ultimate sacrifice that protected their students.