Oklahoma County Sheriff Honors Waldenville Heroes

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office is honoring a group of emergency responders for helping save Major John Waldenville's life.

Waldenville was shot in the head last May outside Cattleman's Steakhouse. The Sheriff's ceremony happens each year as a way to honor many different people from many different agencies. Among those people on Friday were a total of seven emergency responders were honored for assisting Waldenville after being shot. One of those responders was Officer Katie Lawson, who herself was a victim of a shooting.

It's been about six months since the shooting scene unfolded outside Cattleman's Steakhouse. Oklahoma County Sheriff Major John Waldenville was working an off-duty job at the restaurant. He was walking a deposit to a nearby bank when he was ambushed and shot.

"He was actually shot right over the right eye in the head," said Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel.

In contrast from the night of the shooting, Friday night was one for different emotions. Two deputies, two EMSA workers, a nurse and three Oklahoma City police officers were told "thank you" for a job well done.

10/19/2011 Related Story: Suspect In Shooting Of Oklahoma County Deputy Testifies Against Co-Defendant

"Too often I think we don't express our appreciation for the life-saving efforts that people have done," said Whetsel.

Whetsel says police officers applied a tourniquet to stop Waldenville's bleeding. Among those heroes was Oklahoma City police officer Katie Lawson who was shot six times while on duty in August of 2010.

"Somebody who has been through that herself, what a better person to be there to help," said Whetsel.

Whetsel says Waldenville wanted to attend the ceremony but couldn't. Waldenville is still recovering on medical leave.

"We hope to see him back at work again someday soon, but we know it's going to take him a while to get back," said Whetsel.

Whetsel says Waldenville is still dealing with issues from brain trauma. He continues to recover with the help of counselors and therapists.