Celebrating the lives of two fallen heroes
- K.D. Michaels & Luanna Fullerton
- 9 hours ago
- 7 min read
Honoring Christian County Deputies Gabriel Ramirez and Michael Hislope
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
Thousands gathered on Saturday to pay their respects to two officers from a neighboring county who were killed in the line of duty.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers from all over Missouri and across the country were among those gathered at the James River Church in Ozark to honor Christian County Deputies Gabriel Ramirez and Michael Hislope, who lost their lives while serving and protecting their community last week.
What began as a routine traffic stop quickly became deadly as the suspect, Richard Dean Bird, shot and killed Deputy Gabriel Ramirez. The shooting sparked a Code Blue – or a Blue Alert – issued when a law enforcement officer is killed or seriously injured in the line of duty, and a manhunt that lasted for several hours.
Bird was stopped in Southern Christian County at approximately 4 p.m. on February 23. When additional officers arrived on scene, they found Deputy Ramirez fatally shot and the suspect had fled the scene. Nearly 100 law enforcement officers took part in the manhunt, and at approximately 11:30 p.m. that same evening, Bird was located in a wooded area near Reeds Spring in Stone County. Officers from multiple agencies responded to the area where Bird was located, and Bird began firing at the officers.
Deputy Michael Hislope of the Christian County Sheriff’s Office was killed during the gunfight, and two additional deputies, Austin McCall from Webster County and Josh Wahl from Christian County, were wounded. Both were hospitalized and underwent surgery.
The suspect, Richard Bird, also received a fatal gunshot during the shootout.
Bird’s history includes a 2014 conviction for attempted murder in Kansas, which led to a long-term incarceration. He had been accused of attempted burglary in Taney County in 2024 and was facing charges in Stone County. Bird reportedly was out of jail on bond at the time of the shooting.
According to reports, Deputy Ramirez made the initial traffic stop, and was attempting to stop Bird following a violation involving a school bus. Hislope was shot while trying to assist other officers who had been hit during the Monday night shootout. Of the two heroes, Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole said they “fought the good fight and gave the ultimate sacrifice,” and noted that they “protected this county with every fiber of their being.”
The deputies were honored during a moving two-hour funeral service. Many residents lined the streets between the church and the funeral home, waving United States flags and Thin Blue Line flags viewed the procession that included not only the deceased and their families, but also a long line of law enforcement vehicles from dozens of agencies throughout the Ozarks and beyond.
“This terrible tragedy is yet another solemn reminder of the sacrifices law enforcement officers make to keep our communities safe,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe.
Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader, who attended the service for the fallen officers said in a social media post, “We were honored to be part of the celebration of life of two heroes. We were absolutely amazed that over 1,000 law enforcement officers from all over Missouri and the country showed up to pay their respects. What was also amazing was the number of citizens along the procession route paying their respects. It was heartwarming to see the support for our heroes. We consider ourselves blessed to live in such a great area that supports law enforcement. Thank you to everyone that has reached out to us, delivered food and prayed for us this week. We are humbled at the Stone County Sheriff’s office by all of the support we received this week.”
Rader continued, “Please pray for the families of Deputy Gabriel Ramirez and Deputy Michael Hislope. Please pray for healing for Deputy Wahl and Deputy McCall. Please pray for Sheriff Brad Cole and all of the Christian County Sheriff’s Office. Please pray for Stone County Deputies and all other law enforcement on the scene the night of this horrific incident.”
Branson Bowling: Charity fundraiser for fallen deputies
BY LUANNA FULLERTON, Entertainment Writer
I was honored to speak with Angie, marketing director from Branson Bowling, about the upcoming fundraiser for the fallen Christian County Deputies, Gabriel Rameriz and Michael Hislope. This event kicks off March 5 at 8 a.m. and continues forty straight hours.
Luanna: What is the goal amount that is wanting to be attained or is there a specific?
Angie: At this time, we have not set a specific fundraising goal. We hope to raise as much as possible to support the families during an unimaginably difficult time. This effort is not really about reaching a set number — it’s about standing together as a community and doing all we can to help ease the burdens these families are facing.
Luanna: Does any of your staff personally know these fallen men or the families?
Angie: While none of our staff knew the deputies personally, members of our team — like many in this community — have worked alongside and interacted with local law enforcement over the years. In a community like ours, the loss of a deputy is felt deeply, whether you knew them personally or not. These were men and women who choose to serve and protect the very people who walk through our doors every day. We cherish that commitment.
Luanna: Will there be some sort of counter so all will know how the proceeds are growing or just an end amount total given?
Angie: We will be sharing updates throughout the 40-hour event so the community can see the impact they are making in real time. Following the fundraiser, we will also announce the final total raised so everyone who participated knows the difference their support made for these families.
Luanna: Will there be a presentation public or private of the proceeds?
Angie: Out of respect for the families, we intend to coordinate directly with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office regarding how the proceeds are presented. Our priority is ensuring the families receive these funds in a way that honors their loved ones and respects their wishes during this time of grief.
Luanna: Do you have any thoughts that you would like to share for the families?
Angie: Our hearts are with the families as they navigate a loss that no one should ever have to endure. We hope they find strength in knowing that this entire community stands beside them, and we are grateful for the sacrifice their loved ones have made. We are honored to play even a small role in helping to carry them forward.
Everyone is encouraged to come out to help by buying in the shop or dining area, playing some games in the fun area or rolling some bowling balls down the lane. All proceeds during this time frame are donated. If you cannot attend, please send a donation through the portal on their website at bransonbowling.com .
Branson Bowling is located at 2126 E. State Hwy. 76, Branson. Phone 417-335-2695.
Branson theater to hold benefit concert
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
The Nashville Roadhouse Theater in Branson is hosting a benefit concert to assist the families of the fallen Christian County Deputies.
Set for March 22, the benefit show will feature Stevie Lee Woods and the Nashville Roadhouse Band, along with special guests.
There is no set admission price, but the theater will be collecting financial donations for the families of the two deputies who were killed in the recent manhunt, taking place in both Christian and Stone counties.
The special concert will be held on Sunday, March 22, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Nashville Roadhouse Theater (formerly the Pierce Arrow Theater), 3069 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. For reservations, call 417-336-8742.
TLBOR raises more than $10K to support first responders
SUBMITTED TO BRANSON GLOBE
Following last week’s tragic shooting that claimed the lives of two officers and left two others wounded, the Tri-Lakes Board of REALTORS® immediately launched a gift card drive to support the law enforcement and EMS personnel who responded.
In just one week, members contributed more than $10,000 in gift cards.
“I could not be more proud of our membership,” said Shannen White, President of the Tri-Lakes Board of REALTORS®. “When our community was hurting, our REALTORS® showed up. Their generosity and willingness to step beyond the transaction and serve are exactly what makes this board so special. I am truly TLBOR proud.”
The Tri-Lakes Board of REALTORS® remains committed to supporting the communities its members serve, especially in moments that call for leadership, compassion and action.
Branson business supports families of heroes
BY K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer
A Branson business found a unique way to raise funds for the families of Christian County’s fallen heroes.
Hurts Donut Company paid special tribute to the two officers who lost their lives last week and the two deputies who were injured by raising money for the families of those officers.
Hurts Donut Company on Branson’s 76 Country Boulevard created a special donut in honor of the officers, with proceeds going to help the four families. The fundraiser was so successful that it netted more than $20,600 and the shop ran entirely out of the original donut with the edible logo. Hurts Donut then created a second donut, with a simple thin blue line, sold for the same purpose.
Customers waited in line to purchase donuts in support of the families, some waiting two to three hours for their purchases, with employees working fast and furiously last Wednesday to complete the orders. The Hurts Donut team worked hard to keep the donut case stocked, while volunteers helped keep fresh coffee brewing and tables cleaned.
“When a deputy pins on this badge, they step into the unknown on behalf of the rest of us,” said a representative of Hurts Donut on the Tuesday following the manhunt and subsequent shoot out. “Last night that sacrifice became devastatingly real. Last night was a hard night for law enforcement. A hard night for our community. A hard night for families who received the kind of phone call that changes everything.”
“The outpouring of support for the deputies’ families has been truly overwhelming,” said the representative. “Thank you for your patience and your incredible generosity. You all have been so amazing. Huge shout out to everyone who showed up to volunteer.”
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