Victims of the Pinelake tragedy were remembered in silence at the Monday afternoon meeting of the Moore County Board of Commissioners.

And the law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency dispatchers, crisis team members and others who worked to help the victims and prevent further injury and death were recognized for their service.

"You should be proud," said Nick Picerno, chairman of the Board of Commissioners.

The board set aside a moment of silence at the beginning of the 4 p.m. meeting in the historic courthouse in downtown Carthage, less than two miles from Pinelake Health and Rehabilitation Center, where seven elderly patients and a nurse were killed by a lone gunman Sunday morning, March 29. No shocking tragedy of this magnitude had ever struck before in this quiet county seat.

Carlton Cole, public safety director, read aloud the names of the eight victims -- patients Louise DeKler, Lillian N. Dunn, Tessie Garner, John W. Goldston, Bessie Hedrick, Margaret P. Johnson and Jesse Musser and staff member Jerry Avant, a nurse.

Picerno asked everyone to stand and observe a moment of silence remembering the victims.

The Rev. Tom Herndon, pastor of Carthage First Baptist Church, then offered prayer, which is part of the board's regular meeting ritual. In this case, the presence of Herndon was especially meaningful, because his congregation were among the first nonofficial individuals to learn of the deaths. The church later became a gathering place for family members and other mourners. It is the site for Thursday night healing programs conducted by personnel from Sandhills Center and coordinated by John Benton, director of the Department of Social Services.

At the end of the meeting, during the period when the commissioners make comments aside from the agenda, each of the five praised the work of the first responders to the tragedy and the work of others who have helped with the healing process.

Commissioner Larry Caddell, who lives in Carthage, especially commended the Carthage Police Department and Police Officer Justin Garner, who risked his life and was wounded while trying to protect Pinelake residents.

Commissioner Cindy Morgan added to her praise some advice for staff members who were traumatized by the work required in bringing the situation under control. She recommended that they take advantage of available counseling services.

Picerno added, "I'm proud to say that they were all well trained."

Contact Florence Gilkeson at 947-4962 or by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.