Iowans all over the state were shocked when an individual shot and killed two Des Moines metro police officers Wednesday.

Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse echoes that sentiment.

“Just sheer shock. Then you take a little time to reflect on what occurred and then of course your heart goes out to that community and the officers families, the fellow officers that worked with these guys. Your heart and prayers go out to everyone involved that’s been touched by the situation.”        

Greene County Sheriff Steve Haupert was also saddened and explains their goal is to keep the public safe everyday.

“We’re trained, and trained, and trained and it still goes back to if somebody’s bent on hurting somebody, they’re going to get it done to a certain extent. Our goal is to minimize loss as quickly as we can. You can’t prevent everything, but we try.”

Chief Clouse says one way both his department and sheriff’s office are showing their support for the tragic event is by wearing a black stripe across their badges.

“That’s a sign of respect for the officers that are involved and for their families, and their departments, it’s a mourning badge. Of course we’ll have a few things on our Facebook page.”

Haupert also has a son who is in law enforcement and is a part of C.O.P.S., Concerns of Police Survivors.

“That’s the statewide group that goes in, during the grieving process, and helps the families of those police officers or deputies that have been killed in the line of duty. It’s just overwhelming for the families, ‘What do you do? Where do you go? What’s going to happen?’ So there’s a group of people that come in (to help with that process).”

The suspect, 46 year-old Scott Greene of Urbandale, was taken into custody around 9am Wednesday in Redfield.