‘Broken hearts, broken ground’

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from BRIDGEWATER, page 1

Bridgewater College Police Chief Milton Franklin said he’s focused on being grateful — grateful for Painter’s and Jefferson’s heroism for the safety of the campus.

“I’m very grateful to John and J.J. for protecting this campus, the place where they love and where they were loved by students and employees likewise,” Franklin said. “Every one of us, every last one of us, left this campus safe.”

Bridgewater President David Bushman said the memorial site will personify qualities that “sustained us as we grieved and heal together,” especially connection and community, he said. Bushman said the site honored the officers’ sacrifice and that he was grateful their loved ones were there.

Bushman said the memorial sculpture design will include steel piers that grow “closer and taller” together, making an arch that represents the community coming together and its resilience.

“It’s meant to commemorate the actions of John and J.J., who acted together in protecting us,” Bushman said.

Upon completion of the memorial site, Bridgewater will host a public dedication.

“The lighting of the sculpture and trees within the memorial space will use illumination as a symbol of hope in darkness and remind us that while sorrow may endure the night, joy comes in the morning,” Bushman said.

Bushman said the memorial will combine sculpture and landscaping and that “it will serve as a permanent part of the college’s identity.” He also talked about moving forward, the healing process that follows tragedy and how each healing process is unique. Moving forward does not equal forgetting, he said, and with community members supporting we’ve demonstrated in all the days that have followed and all the days to come is a part of our story, too.”

The bell rang eight times to end the service, with each resounding toll signifying a different aspect of Bridgewater’s journey: one for those who responded, one for those who served,

In a pamphlet handed out at the event, the college also provided therapy dogs to pet, a wellness walk, self-care activities and counseling walk-in appointments for the remainder of the day. David said one of her professors made class optional Wednesday — some people need to keep busy in these times while others need to take it slow and process grief, she said.

“It’s little gestures like these that don’t feel so small in their impact, all the little and big ways this community expresses its care and consideration for one another. If you pay attention, it’s there all around you,” David said. “I’ve learned so much from the Bridgewater College community more than merely books and lectures can teach … And I’ve learned from our care for one another … I’ve learned for how we rise.” one another, they’ve healed together.

Franklin said he tries to take comfort in knowing how this community cares for one another, especially on days like this day when comfort seems to be far from reach.

“We cannot make sense of senseless acts. Our minds rebel at the randomness, the utter betrayal of order and fairness that accompanies acts of violence … The tragedy of February 1, 2022, is a part of our story, but we are not a prisoner to it,” Bushman said.

“The care and compassion, the resiliency and resolve, the support and solidarity those who protected, defended, sacrificed and suffered, with the final two signifying each loss of life. One for Painter. One for Jefferson.

“Nothing at this site will bring back our friends J.J. and John,” Miller said. “It will be a space where the light gets in a space where we remember their spirit, honor their sacrifice and reflect on how we too can be of service in this world.”

“Thank you Police Officer John Painter, and thank you, Campus Safety Officer J.J. Jefferson for making a deep positive impact in all of our lives,” Franklin said. “Forever, you will live on in the memories of Bridgewater College.”

CONTACT Shirin Zia Faqiri at breezepress@ gmail.com. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on Twitter at @BreezeNewsJMU.