Those who responded to a deadly Henry County shootout in April involving police were honored Monday.

"I am proud to say that I live and work in Henry County," said Headland Police Chief Mark Jones Monday. "Because we have a fine group of men and women that protect us and take care of us."

Around 30 of those men and women were honored at the court house in Abbeville Monday for coming to the aid of fellow officers during a deadly shootout near the Granberry Store community April 24th. That day Headland Police Chief Investigator Dexter Hammond was fatally wounded, and Deputy Ted Yost critically injured after being shot in the face.

Quitman County Chief Deputy Eddie Ingram was driving from his home in Webb to his workplace in Quitman County the day of the shooting. Ingram happened to be traveling on a road near where the shooting took place, usually he goes another way that is faster.

"The good Lord just put me in the right place at the right time that day," says Chief Deputy Ingram who has been in law enforcement for 30 years.

Even more ironic the person who called Ingram was actually his son, Jesse Ingram, an Abbevile Police Officer in his first year on the job.

Jesse says he saw his dad running down the street, when he wasn't sure the shooter was killed.

"It was comforting having him there, but it was very scary," Office Ingram said Monday. "You are worried about your daddy. It is like a daddy worries about his son you know? We were both safe, but I hate what happened."

Chief Deputy Ingram and Abbeville Police Lt. Noel Vanlandingham fired the shots that stopped the killer. They were among 30 rescue workers, officers, and communication personnel who were given letters of commendation Monday. The officers were also given the medal of honor.

"It is bittersweet because there is a whole in our hearts for Dexter and Deputy Yost," said Lt. Vanlandingham. He and Chief Deputy Ingram were on opposite sides of the property with the killer in between when the fatal shot was fired.

"Bad or good I believe everything happens for a reason," Chief Deputy Ingram says. "I hope it don't happen anymore. I have seen a lot of officers die over the last 30 years and I hope I don't see another one die."

Henry County Deputy Ted Yost, just under two months removed from being shot in the face and surviving, addressed the large crowd in the court house Monday.

"Each and every one of these guys I work with today, you all did a fine and outstanding job. I am so appreciative to everyone in this community for all they have done for me and my family"