Church shooting hero honored by Texas governor
The gunfire lasted just six seconds.
It was a shot from Jack Wilson, the West Freeway Church of Christ security team leader, that ended the bloodshed on Dec. 29.
A gunman had entered the church, stood during the Lord’s Supper and shot two beloved members: Richard White, 67, and Anton “Tony” Wallace, 64.
Now, Wilson has been honored with the Governor’s Medal of Courage.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott presented Wilson with the medal Monday.
“When faced with an evil that few of us will ever comprehend, Jack Wilson responded with strength, bravery, and with love for those in the church that day,” Abbott said. “The courage in his actions cannot be understated, and Jack is not only a hero to West Freeway Church of Christ — he is a hero to the entire state of Texas.”
Wilson, who is running for Hood County county commissioner, has posted about the shooting on his campaign’s Facebook page.
Jack Wilson
“The events at West Freeway Church of Christ put me in a position that I would hope no one would have to be in, but evil exists and I had to take out an active shooter in church,” he said in a post. “I’m thankful to GOD that I have been blessed with the ability and desire to serve him in the role of head of security at the church. I am very sad in the loss of two dear friends and brothers in CHRIST, but evil does exist in this world and I and other members are not going to allow evil to succeed.”
Wilson is a former reserve sheriff’s deputy and firearms instructor. It was a single shot from Wilson’s gun that struck the gunman, killing him and preventing further loss of life.
According to Abbott’s office, the Governor’s Medal of Courage is given to civilians who display great acts of heroism by risking their own safety to save another’s life.
It is the highest award given to civilians by the governor.
