HERMANN — Local first responders received warm wishes and warm quilts from the family of recovering Hermann Patrolman Adam Sullentrup Saturday morning.

In an event in the Hermann High School Auditorium, Sullentrup’s parents, Verna and Kevin, and his brother, Sam, along with other relatives and close friends, expressed their appreciation to many first-responder agency staffers — some who were on the scene of the March 12, 2023, shooting that left Sullentrup with a severe head wound. The shooting also claimed the life of Hermann Det. Sgt. Mason Griffith.

The alleged shooter is being held in the Franklin County Jail awaiting a January 2026 trial on a capital murder charge and eight other felonies.

Attending the Saturday morning event was Adam and his wife Michelle. As part of the morning’s activity, Sullentrup was presented with a Hermann Bearcats football helmet signed by members of the 2023 varsity football team. The members on hand were led by Head Coach Jed Leeper.

Sullentrup’s mother opened the recognition of the public service agencies by saying, “We are here to thank you for your courage and your bravery” in regards to the shooting.

Hermann Mayor Bruce Cox, who led the audience of about 100 in the Pledge of Allegiance, noted how fast time had passed since the event of Sunday, March 12, at Casey’s General Store on Highway 19.

“It’s hard to believe over a year has passed since tragedy hit Hermann,” he said.

Cox is a retired firefighter who donates part of his time as a volunteer with Hermann Fire Company. He spoke of his experiences in responding to tragic events and how they often affect those who answer the call for emergency help.

“As first responders, we laugh, we cry and we grieve,” Cox said.

Despite that, he said, first responders remain committed to protecting the public.

“I know first hand that the first responders are all dedicated to what they do,” he said. “Today we pay tribute to all first responders, especially those who were on the scene” on March 12, he added.

State Rep. Kyle Marquart of the 109th District in Franklin County offered the keynote address. He applauded the work in organizing the appreciation event.

“I have never seen a appreciation ceremony for first responders who responded to a traumatic event like we had here,” Marquart, a former Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper, said.

The legislator said Adam’s experience makes him a part of the law enforcement community for the rest of his life.

“Adam is part of the law enforcement community forever,” Marquart said. He challenged those who support the recovering policeman now to continue that support in the years to come. “Make sure this level of concern, this level of support, continues,” he said.

Verna Sullentrup told the Gasconade County Republican that she was surprised by the turnout of support for her son at the event.

“It took a small village to pull it off,” she said. “We started the first of January and did what we could to pull it off,” she added, referring to the people who joined her in preparing for the appreciation event — relatives and friends Vicky Grant, Cheryl Vondera, Pat Moore, Terri Bell, Marie Hunolt and Linda Vollmer.

In addition Adam and Michelle Sullentrup, who received the first quilt presented, other recipients were Jennifer Griffith and Fern Griffith and Verna and Kevin Sullentrup. Receiving quilts for the various first-responder agencies and dispatchers were Hermann Police Chief Marlon Walker, Phil Hill, Josh Krull, A.J. Lambright, Greg Monroe, Matt Straatmann, Russ Tietsort, Lisa Coppage, Teri Foley, Vera McDowell, Ashley Vance, Levi Cunningham, Hannah Jones, Daniel Jordan, Mike Mueller, Scott Powell, Dane Speckhals, Zach Speckhals, Quinton Garbs, Aaron Overkamp, Jeff Riley, Gasconade County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Maj. Roger Armstrong, Sheriff Scott Eiler, Jeff Howard, A.J. Jensen, Ryan Limberg, Joe Lynch and K9Zena, Det. Lynde Mantels, Franklin County Sheriff’s Sgt. Jarod Blankenship, Missouri State Highway Patrol Master Sgt. Kent Kreftmeyer, Brian Lange, Matt Smith, Chris Miller.

The service also recognized New York City Police Lt. Ben Gelber, who was a close friend with Griffith, and the family of Ken “Shark” Steil, a Detroit policeman killed in the line of duty in 2016.