FORT HOOD-- Few people on the sprawling Fort Hood military installation were more qualified to answer the call for help during Thursday's shooting tragedy than civilian police Sgt. Kimberly Munley.
"She's a firearms instructor. She's a member of our SWAT team," said Chuck Medley of Fort Hood Emergency Services. "She's highly trained, highly physically fit, a weapons and marksman expert."
Munley wasted no time engaging the gunman as soon as she saw what was happening.
"The belief is that if you act aggressively to take the shooter out, you'll actually have less fatalities," explained III Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Robert Cone.
Munley, 34, is married and hails from North Carolina. She was once a soldier, but now serves as a civilian police officer at Fort Hood.
Leanne McLaughlin says her friend is tough as nails. "I'd say she ... packs a big punch for such a small person; definitely a firecracker," McLaughlin said.
Kim Munley already has Facebook pages dedicated to her, from thousands of people who are saying "thanks."
But her family and friends say she doesn't consider herself a hero. Right now, she's just worried about others, according to Dr. Kelly Matlock.
"The first words spoken in recovery? She opened her eyes and said, 'Did anybody die?' That what she said: 'Did anybody die?'"
Chuck Medley, Fort Hood's emergency services director, assured Munley Friday morning that her actions saved countless lives. "People are healthy, alive, and walking around today because of the action that this officer took," Medley said. "She's a hero."
Kim Munley suffered gunshot wounds in both thighs and a hand. She underwent surgery on Friday and is expected to make a full recovery.
wouldibsu said on November 7, 2009 at 9:25 AM
As bad as it was, thank God officer Munley knows her job. It could have been way worse if not for her. I wish her a speedy full recovery.