5 years ago today, Hood County lost an amazing officer in the line of duty. Lance McLean began his day knowing that he would put on that badge and do whatever it took to protect the community that he called his own. Little did any of us know that he would make the ultimate sacrifice that day.

June 28th of 2013, Hood County Sheriff’s Department received an emergency call. A man who had been awaiting trial for sexually assaulting an under-aged female had arrived at the home of his victim. The man was known to officers due to a previous criminal trespassing warning for the residence.

Sergeant Lance McLean was the first officer to arrive at the residence. That’s when the man opened fire on the officer, striking him in the head. The man then fled the scene in a van and headed to the Granbury City Hall. When officers attempted to apprehend him, he began to open fire with a semi-automatic rifle as he walked towards the officers. One Granbury Police Officer, 12 year veteran Chad Davis, was wounded before the suspect was shot and killed. Sergeant McLean was flown to a Fort Worth hospital where he later passed away due to his injuries.

Sergeant Lance McLean served with the Hood County Sheriff’s Office for five years where he served as Sergeant, was a member of the SWAT team and also served as an honor guard. Before coming to Hood County, he spent his first four years in Law Enforcement with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. He was survived by his wife and 2 young children.

Thank You to all of the officers out there who wake up and put that badge on, knowing it could possibly be the last time. We appreciate all you do.