Mass shootings are some of the most difficult emergencies anyone can face. For the first responders who rush to help, the effects can last a lifetime. In Episode 29 of When The Call Hits Home, Jennifer sits down with her dad, retired police sergeant Jim Woosley, as he recounts his first responder mass shooting experience during the tragic 1989 Louisville mass shooting. Their candid conversation shines a light on surviving trauma, coping after the crisis, and supporting families touched by such events.

The Call No Officer Wants to Hear

Jim Woosley remembers the day clearly. He was taking a quiet moment at McDonald’s, sipping coffee and reading the newspaper before his shift, when a call came through the radio: there had been a shooting at a downtown office building. Jim, working as a uniformed sergeant, responded quickly, at first thinking it might be a simple domestic dispute. But soon he realized this was something much bigger and much worse—a mass shooting in broad daylight.

Inside the Chaos: A First Responder Mass Shooting Experience

Arriving on the scene, Jim grabbed his bulletproof vest and prepared to enter a building he’d never been inside. The shooter, an employee, had entered with multiple weapons and opened fire, killing nine and wounding many others. The office was filled with confusion, fear, and the smell of gunpowder.

Jim and the paramedics bravely entered the building, carefully moving through the offices to help where they could. He vividly remembers stepping out of the elevator and having to step over two victims. He spent precious moments tending to a wounded woman, reassuring her and holding her hand as chaos unfolded around them. Even after the shooter took his own life, the trauma and aftermath still echoed through everyone involved.

The Painful Path to Recovery

What happened that day never truly left Jim. He worried deeply about the people he tried to help—especially the woman he carried to safety, who’d just returned from maternity leave. Sadly, she was paralyzed, but Jim learned from doctors that nothing he did caused further harm. This knowledge offered some comfort.

But coping was no easy feat. The whole city mourned, and first responders like Jim carried a heavy load of second-guessing and guilt. Did I do enough? Could I have saved more? These are questions many first responders ask themselves after surviving a mass shooting experience.

The Family Perspective: Children Know More Than We Think

Jennifer, Jim’s daughter, shared how even as a young child, she sensed something was wrong that day. She noticed her school bus driver was on the radio more than usual, picking up on the tension even though nobody explained what had happened until years later. This reminds us that kids are very aware of their parents’ emotions and stress, even when adults try to shield them.

Coping and Moving Forward—Together

One groundbreaking service offered after the shooting was group counseling for officers involved. At a time when police were expected to “tough it out,” Jim was surprised by how helpful it was to talk openly with colleagues and a psychologist. He realized he wasn’t alone in his doubts and feelings. Today, he encourages other first responders to seek support after traumatic events.

Jennifer points out the importance of communicating with family—especially children—in age-appropriate ways about tough days at work. She stresses that sharing honestly (while protecting kids from graphic details) can be powerful and healing.

Conclusion: Honoring the Bravery of First Responders and Their Families

The first responder mass shooting experience leaves lasting scars, but also powerful lessons about resilience, recovery, and the strength of families. Jim and Jennifer’s story is a reminder that behind every uniform is a person, one who needs care, support, and open conversation to truly heal.

If you are a first responder or a family member needing support, remember: you’re not alone. When the call hits home, community and conversation matter more than ever.

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