Webster's dictionary defines a hero as a man of distinguished courage or ability admired for his brave deeds. Such a hero is Officer Justin Garner, a young man who risked his life to save innocent people.

Garner responded to a 911 call while his fellow officers were at church. Without backup, he traveled alone to Pinelake Health and Rehabilitation Center to face a man intent on killing.

Garner entered the facility and followed the trail of carnage until he found the shooter. He calmly asked the shooter to put his gun down. The shooter responded by firing off a round hitting the officer. At that instant Garner returned fire, shooting the man in the upper chest and bringing him down.

Even at the Columbine massacre, the many officers responding to 911 calls at the school did not want to enter, since they did not know where the shooter was located. Here in Carthage, one man was brave enough to enter alone.

If you would like to send him a card or a letter, Garner is receiving mail at Carthage Police Department, P.O. Box 236, Carthage, NC 28327.

Maureen Burke-Horansky

Pinehurst