Michael Renshaw, Victim of Herkimer Co. shootings
/ Courtesy: New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
HERKIMER -- Michael Renshaw and Michael Ransear were killed in the shootings in Herkimer and Mohawk on Wendesday. They had both served as Corrections Officers.
Renshaw was 51-years-old and served as a Corrections Officer at Mid-State Correctional Facility in Marcy. He was a 20-year veteran of New York State Corrections. He was shot and killed at Gaffey's Jiffy Lube in the Village of Herkimer.
Ransear was 57-years-old and had retired from Mohawk Correctional Facility in Rome in 2006. Ransear, of 114 Melrose in Herkimer, was shot and killed at John's Barber Shop in the Village of Mohawk. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Department of Corrections Commissioner Brian Fischer released a statement saying, "On behalf of the entire staff at DOCCS, Commissioner Fischer extends his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of Mid-State Correction Officer Mike Renshaw and retired Mohawk Correction Officer Mike Ransear. Both individuals will be remembered for their dedication and daily contributions made throughout their long careers."
Specially trained security and civilian Department of Corrections employees from the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Program are on site at Mid-State to provide psychological aid for all staff members.
The New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association issued a statement, saying they were "sad to hear of the senseless and tragic deaths of Michael Renshaw and Michael Ransear."
"These men spent their lives in service to their communities and their state, and there are no words to express our profound grief over their untimely passing," the statement said. "Today's tragedies are a tremendous loss for everyone who knew these men and who served alongside them. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families, friends and fellow officers during this difficult time. NYSCOPBA stands ready to help those touched by this senseless act of violence in the coming days and weeks."
The shootings began Wednesday morning in Mohawk where the suspect, 64-year-old Kurt R. Myers allegedly started a fire in his apartment then drove to John's Barber Shop in Mohawk where he shot four people, killing two people including Ransear. Myers then drove about a mile to Gaffey's Fast Lube in the Village of Herkimer where he fatally shot two people, including Renshaw.
