The City of Early honored Sergeant Steven Means of the Early Police Department for his heroic actions that helped kill the gunman who perpetrated the Peach House murders in late July of last year.

Early Police Chief David Mercer presented a framed certificate and Medal of Valor to Sgt. Means to recognize his actions, stating that Means acted in a text book manner to react to the shooter after being the first officer on the scene.   Mercer described how Means was able to return fire even as he was being fired upon by the gunman Charles Conner of Early.  Vic Stacy, a resident at the RV park, also shot at Connor and the two were able to fire shots that ultimately resulted in the death of the gunman.

At a press conference held July 30, 2012, the day after the murders at the RV park, Brown County Sheriff Bobby Grubbs also commended Means’ actions.

“It must also be noted that Sgt. Means, of the Early Police Department, responded and acted valiantly, driving into the scene and having the composure and focus to respond under fire, to return fire on Conner.  As he was trained, he acted with great courage and is to be commended by law enforcement and the community he serves.  His courage is an example of what law enforcement may face at any moment’s notice.”

When asked how he felt about being honored with the medal, Means stated, “I was just doing my job.”

He stated that everything happened very quickly that day; he really didn’t have time to think about anything else but to do what was necessary.

Means has been a law enforcement officer for approximately six and a half years.  Before working in Early, Means also served as a deputy with Brown County Sheriff’s Office.  Means was also commended for his actions in June of 2011 when his alertness while on patrol in the early morning hours noted smoke in a neighborhood.  Means’ quick thinking helped save the lives of a young family from their burning home on Lucas Drive early that Saturday morning after he located the fire coming from the rooftop of the home.  Means knocked on the door until the residents woke and helped to get the family out of the burning house.

At that time, Chief Mercer stated, “Steven did good and I don’t think he realized the fact that he probably saved their lives until he and I were discussing it. He said he was just doing his job, which is what makes him a great asset for this department and city.”