Photo shows slain deputies vehicles adorned with flowers. Credit: KY3 NEWS
Mike Kehoe joined the Christian County Sheriff on Tuesday to address the deaths of two deputies killed in the line of duty.
The sheriff’s office identified the deputies as Michael Hislope, 40, and Gabriel Ramirez, 30. Hislope had served with the department since October 2019. Ramirez joined the agency in March 2025.
The deputies were killed following a traffic stop south of Highlandville on Monday that led to a manhunt ending in a shootout near Reeds Spring. Two other deputies were injured and remained hospitalized Tuesday. One was undergoing surgery.
Sheriff Brad Cole said more than 100 officers responded to assist in locating the suspect, identified as Richard Bird.
“It’s important to understand that when situations like this occur, it’s very difficult for us to stand back and not try to go rescue our people,” Cole said. “There were multiple law enforcement officers on scene that didn’t hesitate to do what needed to be done and go and take care of what needed to be taken care of and get our wounded deputies and officers back to safety.”
Later Tuesday, law enforcement officers from across the region and community members gathered at the square in Ozark to pay their respects, leaving flowers on the deputies’ patrol cars. Cole said the vehicles will remain at the square indefinitely to allow continued community support.
For more on this story visit original reporting by KY3 NEWS.
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