The City of Warner Robins recognized two of its more well known heroes Monday. Warner Robins Police Department Capt. Bill Capps, the officer credited with saving and protecting the life of Code Enforcement officer Beau Weathers, received the Medal of Valor, while Weathers was awarded a Purple Heart.
“I don’t feel in some ways I earned this,” said a thankful, humble, Capps, a 28-year veteran of the force, and in regard to the incident April 23 where both he and Weathers were attempting to get a Warner Robins resident to comply with code enforcement standards. They were subsequently fired upon, Weathers being struck by a shotgun blast. “I feel like that day, that time, I had a friend. I had a companion who was shot.
“I made a choice that day that I’m very proud of. I’m not ashamed to admit I chose life over death. His life was more important ... I’d do it again. And to be recognized like this is just overwhelming.”
Capps, who Mayor Donald Walker said he knew had been shot at “at least three times now,” added he owed a debt of gratitude to many. His appreciation extended to the mayor,
Warner Robins Police Department Chief Brett Evans, Warner Robins Police Department Chief of Operations Maj. John Wagner, Warner Robins Police Department Maj. Harry Dennard – three men he credited for helping him keep his sanity – and the dozens of other law enforcement officials there that day and the days to follow.
Most especially, he said, he thanked God.
“Folks, I can tell you. I’m a frail human being. I don’t make those kinds of decisions on a daily basis. God was there that day. God was there from the time I met Bo until the time someone picked him up. And God needs the glory and the praise. And I give it to him, and I can tell you He saved me and now he’s saved me over again.”
Weathers, who is still recovering – at least for now shakes hands with his left hand – also echoed thanks for the aforementioned. He also mentioned a few more. He thanked police officer Brett Rozier – the first on scene – for taking the “target off my back.”
He thanked members of the fire department, explaining that a unit just happened to be nearby – painting fire extinguishers of all things, he said – and was the first to treat his injuries. One of the firemen he knew, Troy Hamilton.
“I remember when I was wrestling with them,” Weathers said, “... you’d be surprised at how much it hurts when they’re doing things to you after you’ve been shot with a shotgun. (Well), he calmed me down. Told me just to let them take care of me and I was going to be all right. That the ambulance would be here soon, put me on a board and get me out of here. It went exactly as he said.”
He went on to cite the leadership of the city for going to “great lengths to ensure every employee is trained in every aspect of their job.” “For times like this,” he said. “(Making it possible) where I can stand up here and receive the purple heart.”
And of course, and in particular, he thanked God and Capps. “We all like to believe that every police officer in this city would have the guts and bravery to put himself in the line of fire to pull you out,” he said. “Well I know from experience Capt. Bill Capps will, and I will be forever grateful.”
