Oct 11, 2018 3 min read

German Township Police Cpl. John Lingo knew some township residents didn’t support the formation of a police force in 2017.

The Fayette County township had gone nearly 20 years without its own force, relying on state police to cover the area.

But because the supervisors started the department, Lingo said, “People are saved today.”

It was Lingo, inside District Judge Daniel Shimshock’s Masontown office Sept. 19, who shot and killed Patrick Dowdell. The 61-year-old gunman had been scheduled to appear at the office on charges he assaulted his wife after she told him she wanted a divorce.

Dowdell shot and wounded four people, including his wife and Masontown police Sgt. Scott Miller, before Lingo fatally shot him. The entire incident, police said, took only about one minute, but undoubtedly impacted many lives.

German Township supervisors moved their regular monthly meeting to McClellandtown Fire Hall Tuesday because they wanted enough space to honor the many first responders.

To Lingo, hailed as a hero for his actions, it was Miller who deserves the accolades for his bravery. Miller engaged Dowdell, which allowed Lingo to identify where Dowdell was and stop him. Miller was shot in the hand.

Lingo also recognized others, like Michael Wachinski, who was at the office for a preliminary hearing. Wachinski was one of several bystanders who tended to shooting victims.

“You didn’t have to do that,'” Lingo recalled telling Wachinski. ” … The goodness comes out in people sometimes.”

Fayette County Judge Nancy D. Vernon commended Becky Rider, Melanie Jesko and Ashley Mansberry for tending to victims, including tourniquet help, shielding children and calming those who were with them.

“That’s an immeasurable gratitude that we have for you,” Vernon said, joined in her recognition of the magistrate office by President Judge John F. Wagner Jr. and Deputy Court Administrator Tammy Lambie, who alluded to the office staff having gone through active shooter training in the summer.

“It did come into play,” Lambie noted.

During the meeting, officials recognized Lingo, Miller, Masontown police Chief Joseph Ryan, German Township police Chief Dave Hromada Jr., Masontown and German Township Officer Tom O’Barto, Masontown K-9 Officer Mike Yeager, Masontown officers Alexis Metros and Maggie Vorum-Leonard, and State Constable Robert Smith. Officers from both the borough and township back up one another frequently, officials have said, and many were at Shimshock’s office Sept. 19 for court cases filed by their departments.

“We cannot thank you enough,” said German Township Supervisor LC Otto.

Official after official voiced the same conclusion upon being summoned by Otto to the front of the fire hall.

“You are all heroes,” Masontown Mayor Toni Petrus said. “A situation like this tragic event certainly makes everyone appreciate having our local police departments for such a quick response time in our communities,”

Authorities estimated following the shooting 30 to 40 people were at Shimshock’s office, where hearings were being held when the shooting occurred. Police and other officials have said without the quick action of the officers who responded, the shooting could have easily resulted in more fatalities.

Later came a standing ovation from the several dozen community residents and fellow first responders assembled at the fire hall.

“This could have been horrific,” Wagner said. “We could be looking at untold numbers of dead or injured people.”