Chief Brian Laird spoke at a news conference on Friday, detailing the events leading up to the passing of Sergeant Ryan Hudson. Hudson was one of the supervisors helping with the response in the immediate aftermath of the shooting last Saturday morning.
He reportedly began to feel ill in the hours following the shooting, but stayed on the job despite not feeling well.
Hudson is said to have felt so sick that he left early from his regular Saturday night shift. His condition worsened, and he went to the hospital on Monday. He was admitted, but despite the care provided, Hudson passed away on Tuesday evening.
Laird said, “Ryan did not want to let his brothers and sisters down. He did his duty, and he came to work, putting service above self just as he always did.”
Doctors said the 32-year-old had an underlying cardiac condition that was set off by the stress of the Boyd Street shooting response. Laird said that as a result, his death is classified as being in the line of duty according to federal guidelines. That classification grants some benefits to Hudson’s family through the U.S. Department of Justice.
In addition, the Paducah Police Department has an employee support fund, and Laird said a specific account has been set up for Hudson’s wife and children. The chief added that the social media channels of the department would share how the public could donate to that fund for the Hudson family.
Visitation for Sergeant Ryan Hudson will be next Friday, August 22nd, at Paducah Tilghman High School from 5-8 p.m. The funeral service will be at Heartland Church at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 23rd. Entombment will be at Maplelawn Park Cemetery and Mausoleum on North 13th Street in Paducah.
Assistance with arrangements has come from Supporting Heroes, an organization that helps agencies following a line-of-duty death.
Laird also said that Hudson’s cruiser is parked across from Paducah Police headquarters so that the community can visit, remember, and pay tribute to the life of Sergeant Hudson.
As had previously been stated, Sergeant Hudson's absence will be profoundly felt by all throughout the community that he faithfully served. The department extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.
PHOTO: Paducah Police Department, courtesy
