Authorities in Christian County, Missouri, release the identities of two deputies killed by an armed fugitive earlier this week.

 

30-year-old Deputy Gabriel Ramirez was killed in the line of duty on Monday during a traffic stop. The suspect – identified as 45-year-old Richard Dean Bird – then fled the scene, leading police on a manhunt that ended in a shootout. During the shootout, a second deputy – 40-year-old Michael Hislope was also shot and killed.

 

The Missouri Department of Public Safety called the two deputies heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice because of their desire to serve.

 

The suspect in both shootings, Bird, was also killed during the shootout.

 

Photo: Deputy Gabriel Ramirez (left), Deputy Michael Hislope (right). Courtesy Christian County Sheriff's Office