Support Floods In for 2 Fallen Christian County Deputies

Community members honor the memory and service of Deputies Gabriel Ramirez and Michael Hislope.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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All day and night, people living in Christian County, Missouri and beyond have set out flowers, stuffed animals, and flags to honor the memory and service of two fallen deputies, Gabriel Ramirez and Michael Hislope, who worked for the Christian County Sheriff's Office. The deputies' service vehicles have been placed on the Ozark square, giving the community a dedicated place to pay their respects and grieve together.

Why it matters

The outpouring of community support highlights the impact the loss of these two deputies has had on the Christian County community. It also demonstrates the importance of honoring the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers who protect their communities.

The details

Deputy Gabriel Ramirez had been with the Christian County Sheriff's Office since March 2025, while Deputy Michael Hislope had been with the office since October 2019. The deputies' service vehicles have been set up on the Ozark square, allowing people to leave flowers, stuffed animals, and flags to pay their respects. The community is coming together to grieve and support one another during this difficult time.

  • The deputies' service vehicles were set out on the Ozark square on Tuesday afternoon.
  • By Wednesday morning, the vehicles were covered in community support and tributes.

The players

Gabriel Ramirez

A deputy with the Christian County Sheriff's Office since March 2025.

Michael Hislope

A deputy with the Christian County Sheriff's Office since October 2019.

Angela Koepke

A director with the Chief Mason Griffith Foundation, which is helping the community during this difficult time.

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What they’re saying

“People don't realize how when your life is turned upside down in just a matter of minutes, you need help. You need somebody to kind of walk you through some processes and things like that, and that's what we're here for.”

— Angela Koepke, Director, Chief Mason Griffith Foundation (ky3.com)

The takeaway

This outpouring of community support for the fallen deputies highlights the important role law enforcement officers play in protecting their communities, and the impact their loss can have. It also demonstrates the value of organizations like the Chief Mason Griffith Foundation, which help guide communities through difficult times.