HERMANN – A program billed as a Day of Healing is scheduled for Sunday at Casey’s General Store on Market Street (Highway 100 West) as a way to help the Hermann community recover from the tragic night three years ago when one policeman was killed and another severely wounded by a man wanted in neighboring counties.

The Chief Mason Griffith Foundation is spearheading the event, set from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m., which will feature a variety of activities aimed at commemorating the death and wounding of the Hermann policemen, as well as building community support for the area’s first responders. It’s also serving as a prelude to the painting of a mural on Casey’s retaining wall designed to honor first responders.

Detective Sgt. Mason Grififth was killed and Patrolman Adam Sullentrup severely wounded in a shooting by Kenneth Lee Simpson of Warren County on Sunday night, March 12, 2023. The policemen were attempting to apprehend Simpson after learning he was named in arrest warrants issued by Warren and Franklin counties. Simpson in February was convicted of first-degree murder and first-degree assault and in June was sentenced to death in Franklin County Circuit Court.

The reference to “The Chief Mason Griffith Foundation” alludes to the fact that, in addition to serving as a member of the Hermann Police Department, he also served as chief of the Rosebud Police Department.

“This project is about more than creating a mural – it’s about helping a community heal,” said Angela Koepke, director of The Chief Mason Griffith Foundation. “The mural will transform a site of tragedy into a lasting tribute to courage, sacrifice and service. Through this fundraiser, we’re inviting people across Missouri and beyond to help us honor Detective Sgt. Mason Griffith, support Officer Adam Sullentrup and recognize the countless first responders who answer the call every day. Every donation brings us one step closer to creating a permanent symbol of remembrance, gratitude and hope,” she said.

The day’s event will include a live community telethon, a first-responder honor ceremony and community celebration, special guest speakers, live music entertainment, a silent auction and raffles, food vendors and family activities.