Rapid City Police Department one year after shooting - KOTA Territory News

One year ago, a shooting on a quiet north Rapid City street changed the way many of Rapid City's finest see their line of work.  "The officer's go out now and they feel it," Police Chief Steve Allender said. "They know that it's real. "They picture Nick and Ryan's face when they drive by the scene," he said.

The harsh reality of the risks inherent with being a police officer had some re-evaluating their chosen profession.  "There is a number of existing police officer's who've had a renewed commitment to their job since the shooting," Chief Allender said. For at least three officers, the shooting was a big part of why they left the department. "You can only do this job if you find a way to reconcile this threat and be prepared to confront it if it becomes reality," he said.

While the shooting took its toll on the officers, Chief Allender says day-to-day business is not much different than August 1, 2011.  "We're the same people. We just have hurt feelings." 

According to the Chief, the biggest change is in the community. "The community has changed the most over this shooting," he said. "They are very supportive." Countless cards, Facebook posts and crowds of blue in line at the processional for Ryan McCandless showed Rapid City Police that the community is behind them.  "Without the community support this would have been pure hell," he said.  "There was nothing in the last year that was as healing as having hugs from complete strangers."

Community support will continue to be an important part of the healing process for officer's, but for today, the Chief said, "It is time to reflect and decide what's important."