COLLIERVILLE, Tenn. — It was a moment that changed an entire community, and one that spurned a sense of hope in its aftermath.
“It was a pretty normal day up until that moment,” said Dale Lane, Collierville's chief of police, as he reflected on what led up to the Collierville Kroger mass shooting.
On Sept. 23, 2021, a disgruntled former employee at the Collierville Kroger entered the store with several firearms around 1:30 p.m. In the following moments, the town lay witness to a traumatizing event, which left two people dead, including the shooter, and 14 injured.
The entire community came to a standstill as first responders rushed to Byhalia Road.
“There were people in the parking lot who had been shot, people right inside the door that had been shot," Lane said. "The weight of the situation was tremendous.”
The following days were filled with emotion for the Mid-South town. Comradery and prayer came in droves, probably most symbolized by a letter to the police department from then 11-year-old Connor Underwood.
“It took everything I had to keep from busting out crying right there," Lane said. "It’s like the Lord came down and wrapped his arms around me."
"Dear Sherriff Lane, I just wanted to say thank you for what you have been doing. My name is Conner Underwood. I got you for Adopt a cop and just wanted to point you out in a good way. I know the big shooting was really scary for you but god is with you and so am i. I will be praying for you and your family. If you ever are in a bad position in life and you need [encouragement] read Joshua 1:9. Yes it is a Bible verse, and yes it will help. I saw you on TV and saw your face for the first time. so have a good day hope your family has a great day as well."
Joshua 1:9 reads:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
“I just wanted to say I’m with you and so is God,” said Underwood to ABC24 in 2021.
Those strong words still ring true today. Underwood plays football as a freshman at Collierville High School, and still maintains a connection with Lane and CPD.
“Through a tough time like that you need someone to lift you up instead of bringing you down,” Underwood said.
The letter later went viral after Collierville shared the post on social media, receiving thousands of reactions, as well as hundreds of comments. Three years later, the famous letter now sits in Lane's office as a reminder of what Collierville has overcome, and the strength the community continues to show.
“What’s amazing is he’s just one example of the heart of this community," Lane said. "That yeah, we go through difficult times, but we’re not alone.”