The family of Arkansas Department of Corrections K9 Sgt. Josh Caudell has released a statement following his line of duty death while assisting Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies who were searching for suspect.
The suspect opened fire as Caudell and other officers approached him, hitting and killing Caudell early Monday morning.
The statement from the family is shared below:
CAUDELL FAMILY RELEASES PUBLIC STATEMENT
The family of Sergeant Joshua Caudell would like to thank the countless people who have reached out to us to offer support during this painful and difficult week. Losing our beloved Josh under these terrible circumstances has been devastating, but the overwhelming love and support we have received from his friends, the Department of Corrections family and the Arkansas law enforcement community has been a great comfort.
We would like to thank the Arkansas Association of Correctional Employees Trust (AACET) for funding the funeral and other expenses. We would also like to thank all of the ADC facilities and their wonderful employees for the meals, support and, most importantly, their prayers.
Josh has been a loving partner and sweet companion to his wife Lorna-Beth since they met before high school. Together, they built a joyful and active family with their children EmmaRae, Audrey and Jeremiah. His family was the light and focus of his life. We will always be grateful that although his life was cut short, he left his family with remarkable memories filled with laughter and love.
His presence will forever be felt wherever his wife and children go. He will be with us on softball fields, in the backyard grilling, watching the Razorbacks and wherever the horses take his fellow ADC field riders.
We appreciate the sensitive news coverage during this past week, and we are grateful to those who have tried to show the world what a wonderful man Josh was. At this time, however, the Caudell family asks that we be given the time, space and privacy to celebrate his life and mourn.
