Osage County deputies injured in November incident back on the job

LYNDON, Kan. (WIBW) - All three of the Osage County sheriff’s deputies who were injured in the line of duty in November are back on the job, officials announced Wednesday.

The three deputies -- all of whom suffered gunshot wounds while responding to a domestic incident that resulted in one death Nov. 15 near Carbondale -- were identified as Deputy Christian Moran, Cpl. Clayton Hartpence and K9 Deputy James Cason.

All three of the officers were transported to an area hospital for treatment of their injuries after gunfire erupted while they responded to a disturbance just north of 113th Street and S. Topeka Boulevard in Osage County. The location was just north of Carbondale.

A man who authorities referred to as the suspect was shot and killed during the incident.

A second man -- described as a “civilian” -- also was wounded.

Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Adam Ellis was also was shot in the incident and was taken to a Kansas City-area hospital for treatment of his injuries. He was later released from the hospital.

The news of the deputies’ return to duty was included in a statement Wednesday afternoon from the Osage County Sheriff’s Office.

“Over the past several months, our community has prayed, checked in, sent cards, brought food, and shown more support than we could ever put into words,” the statement read. “Those prayers, that encouragement, and that kindness mattered more than you know -- not just to the deputies, but to their families and to this entire Sheriff’s Office.

“These three deputies showed incredible strength, resilience, and determination through their recovery. Watching them fight to heal and return to the work they love has been nothing short of inspiring.

“We are blessed to have them back where they belong -- serving the citizens of Osage County.

“Thank you to everyone who stood with us during this time. Your support helped us through, and today we are sharing some very good news with you.

“Osage County is lucky to have deputies like these.”