Footage posted on social media captures the chilling audio of the intense gunfight in Mifflintown between law enforcement and Brandon Stine, the man who Pennsylvania State Police say killed Tpr. Jacques Rougeau Jr. and critically wounded Lt. James Wagner in separate encounters on Saturday.

The popping of hundreds of bullets flying through the air can be heard as the police exchanged gunfire with Stine, who was armed with a .458 magnum caliber hunting rifle.

Surrounded in a residential area, Stine fought the police until the bitter end. The final battleground was a somewhat rural but still residential area near a store and small restaurant with patrons in the parking lot. Heroically, troopers put themselves in harm’s way between the civilians and suspect during the lengthy altercation – without hesitation – forcing him away from the business.

A veteran police official called the incident “one of the most intense, unbelievable gunfights” he had ever witnessed, lauding troopers for launching an aggressive search despite the fact that they were facing a weapon that “would defeat any of the body armor that they had available to them.”

Heroic doesn’t begin to describe the actions of these troopers, who certainly put their lives on the line to serve and protect our community. The troopers do it every day they go on duty, keeping our communities and roadways safe.

Their actions on this day will not soon be forgotten, nor should they be. If not for their harrowing feats, there could have easily been civilian casualties. Police officials called it a miracle that civilians escaped injury. Attribute that to the troopers’ responses.

We mourn for Tpr. Rogeau and his family and keep Lt. Wagner and his family in our thoughts and prayers. We also thank the other troopers who helped put a stop to a violent, armed gunman.

Things like this aren’t supposed to happen here in the Juniata Valley. This turn of events proved that they can indeed transpire, but when they do our first responders will be there to protect us.

Whether they are a state trooper, police officer, sheriff deputy or even a school resource officer — along with other first responders like our firefighters and emergency medical service personnel — these brave men and women deserve our respect and admiration for the jobs that they do.

Our community will be reeling for some time after the loss of a beloved husband and friend. Tpr. Rougeau died while on duty doing what he did best, proudly serving his community.

We mourn as he made the ultimate sacrifice and are forever indebted to the troopers and all of our first responders for their dedication and service.