Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerome Thornton speaks June 20 about his experience during the memorial observance of an active-shooter incident at Fairchild Air Force Base that occurred June 20, 1994.
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE - Fairchild Air Force Base leaders and community members gathered to honor the victims of a tragic shooting that occurred 30 years ago, last week.
The memorial ceremony was held to remember the lives lost and those affected by the deadliest mass murder in Spokane County history.
On June 20, 1994, Dean A. Mellberg, a 20-year-old former airman, entered the Fairchild AFB hospital annex armed with a MAK-90 assault rifle. Mellberg's attack began with the fatal shooting of Major Thomas E. Brigham, a psychiatrist, and Captain Alan W. London, a psychologist, who had both recommended his discharge from the Air Force.
Mellberg continued his rampage through the hospital, ultimately killing four individuals, including an 8-year-old girl, and injuring 22 others.
Last week's memorial service was led by Bilbo and other 92nd Air Refueling Wing leaders. It included a moment of silence, speeches from base officials, and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.
The event served as a solemn reminder of the tragic events and honored the resilience of the base's community.
Senior Airman Andrew P. Brown, who was awarded the Airman's Medal for heroism by President Bill Clinton, was recognized for his crucial role in stopping Mellberg.
Brown, patrolling the base's housing areas on a bicycle, responded to the emergency and fatally shot Mellberg, ending the massacre.
The victims of the 1994 shooting were: Major Thomas E. Brigham, USAF psychiatrist; Captain Alan W. London, USAF psychologist; Anita L. Lindner, dependent spouse; Christin F. McCarron, 8-year-old visitor; and Michelle Sigmon's unborn child.
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