Thursday, March 28, 2024

Hood County officers will never forget their fallen comrade, Sgt. Lance McLean

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It's been eight years since Hood County Sheriff's deputy Sgt. Lance McLean, a Hico resident, lost his life on June 29, 2013, in the line of duty – and the Blue Line he served with has never forgotten and never will.

McLean was a man who made people laugh, whether it was a quick joke or photobombing friends and strangers with his wife, Katy.

McLean loved life, and the people in his life loved him for it.

The 38-year-old deputy was a man of compassion and bravery who was remembered by hundreds at Hico's Memorial Stadium following his tragic shooting death at the hands of child-sex assault suspect Ricky Don McCommas.

Sgt. McLean was responding to a disturbance in a subdivision outside Granbury, and as Hood County Sheriff Rogers Deeds described it, "McCommas went to the location to try and kill a girl he was accused of sexually assaulting in Joshua the year before."

McCommas was a firearms dealer and former security guard armed to the teeth when he encountered McLean and shot him in the head.

It's a day that remains with Hood County Sheriff Lt. Johnny Rose.

 "It is hard to believe it has been eight years since Lance McClean's death in 2013. Working as lawmen, you become a tight-knit group facing all the problems citizens have. To lose one in a violent manner Lance died in can be hard to process and deal with emotionally and mentally," Rose said. "But we push forward knowing Lance did not die in vain and freedom is not free. Lance will always be remembered at the Hood County Sheriff's Office through the employees that lived that day and through his family that live with the loss of Lance every day."

 

McLean would battle for his life for 24 hours before succumbing to his wound.

McCommas's end would come much quicker.

Following McLean's shooting, McCommas fled and then died in a hail of bullets during a shootout with Granbury and Hood County law enforcement officers in the Granbury City Hall parking lot.

Granbury police officer Chad Davis was wounded in the exchange of gunfire but survived his injury.

The emptiness left by McLean's death was huge, and Sheriff Deeds previously indicated he had plans (for him within the department) that wouldn't come to fruition.

"Although it has been eight years since Sgt. Lance McLean gave the ultimate sacrifice to the citizens of Hood County. His selflessness and bravery will never be forgotten. We must move forward and look for the good in a terrible situation," Deeds stated.

 

That moving forward has included a memorial golf tournament in McLean's name that has raised money and provided education opportunities for local children.

"Shortly after Sgt. McLean's passing, the Lance McLean Memorial Foundation was formed. Lance's wife Katy, along with many other Deputies and citizens, work tirelessly to put on an annual golf tournament in Lance's name. This year will be the 8th annual tournament, and to date, the foundation has given away approximately $150,000 in scholarships and charitable donations in Lance's name," Deeds said.

In 2015, the Texas Department of Transportation approved the naming of Loop 567 in Granbury between its intersection with U.S. Highway 377 and its intersection with Business Highway 377 as the Deputy Sergeant Lance McLean Memorial Highway.

"Lance had a heart for children and for public safety, and the Sheriff's Office along with the foundation will always do everything we can to keep his memory alive," Deeds said.

 

russell@hcnews.com | 817-573-7066, ext. 231