Officers deserve thanks

By Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier

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The October bank robbery at the Maynard Savings Bank, the subsequent manhunt and the shooting of two law enforcement officers during the pursuit, will not be forgotten in eastern Iowa anytime soon.

The sentencing last week of William Clayton, 19, of Osage, and Jeremiah Mumford, 25, of New Hampton, gives us another opportunity to praise our local and state law enforcement officers for a job well done - and for being ready to do what's necessary for public safety at a moment's notice.

During the hearing in Bremer County, each defendant received what amounts to a 75-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to 30 felony charges, including multiple counts of attempted murder.

During the initial pursuit, Sumner Police Chief Dennis Cain used his vehicle to cut off the suspects, who then opened fire on him. He suffered gunshot wounds to his neck, shoulder and thumb.

Iowa State Patrol Trooper Mark Domino of Post 8 in Mason City suffered a gunshot wound that went through his right bicep.

A massive manhunt followed.

More than 50 officers from federal, state, county and city agencies were involved in apprehending the two armed bank robbers. A perimeter was established and tightened before two Waterloo police officers, stationed less than a mile north of Frederika, apprehended the two men as they were crawling through a ditch shortly after nightfall. When all was said and done, it was an exceptional show of cooperation, execution and bravery.

Cain was able to confront Mumford and Clayton while providing his victim's impact statement.

"I believe both the defendants should receive a life sentence. I've got a life sentence," Cain said in court.

We won't argue with his opinion on a fitting punishment.

Cain is now unable to work and has difficulty speaking.

Several other officers came under fire. Some, including Domino, attended the sentencing.

The list of agencies involved include sheriff's offices from Fayette, Buchanan and Bremer counties; police from Sumner, Readlyn and Waterloo; and Iowa State Patrol troopers, DOT enforcement, FBI, Iowa Department of Natural Resources enforcement, Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation, Tripoli ambulance and Bremer County Emergency Management. Two law enforcement aircraft and a helicopter offered by the Minnesota State Patrol circled overhead during the search.

"We did exactly what we are trained to do," said Trooper Bob Conrad of the Iowa State Patrol. "All law enforcement agencies worked together. Everyone really extended their hands, and we are thankful for that."

So are we.

All the officers involved that day, and all the officers currently and previously on the job, are aware of the fact that any day could be the one in which their lives are on the line.

We continue to be grateful for their presence, their training and their abilities.