FORDYCE, Ark — Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl and the Fordyce Police Department have been working non-stop to make sure the town recovers after a deadly mass shooting on June 21.
In the wake of this tragic shooting, they have one message to tell people about the small but mighty town.
"This will not define us and it will not divide us," Knoedl said.
Fourteen people were injured, and four died when 44-year-old Travis Posey, the suspected shooter, opened fire into Fordyce's only grocery store, the Mad Butcher, with a 12-gauge shotgun and a pistol.
Those four victims were Callie Weems, Roy Sturgis, Shirley Taylor and Ellen Shrum.
"Get rid of the threat as quickly as possible," Knoedl said. "That's what was on my mind. It was horrific."
The sheriff said it took less than five minutes for first responders to apprehend the shooter and to start rendering aid.
And his job doesn't just stop at the crime scene.
Knoedl said he has set up a donation account for the officers and victims at the Fordyce Bank and Trust.
Not only has $8,000 been raised for those injured, but the bank has also decided to cover the costs of the funerals.
Now, law enforcement is ensuring the town remains safe as they mourn.
Bradley, Calhoun and Drew County deputies have been assisting for the past several days as Fordyce officers take time to care for their families and themselves.
Community leaders also met with management from the Mad Butcher to discuss what happens next with the grocery store.
"I'm sure they are worried about whether people are going to come back in," Knoedl said. "My answer to that is yes."
The sheriff said it's important for the grocery store to reopen, as many older adults and people without transportation depend on it.
Fordyce Mayor John MacNichol tells us the grocery store will open its doors again, but they have yet to decide when.