Mason County Marks 50 Years Since Deadly Courthouse Bombing

Ceremony honors three law enforcement officers killed in 1976 attack

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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On March 2, 1976, a 19-year-old man named Bruce Sisk forced his way into the Mason County Courthouse basement, where the jail was located at the time, carrying a suitcase filled with dynamite and a sawed-off shotgun. Sisk detonated the explosives, killing himself, his 18-year-old wife Harriet who was awaiting trial, and three law enforcement officers - Deputies Kenneth Love and Ernest Hesson, and Sheriff Elvin 'Pete' Wedge. The explosion also injured 11 others and completely destroyed the courthouse.

Why it matters

The bombing was a tragic event that shook the Mason County community. It highlighted the dangers that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty and the impact that violent crime can have on small towns. Fifty years later, the community continues to remember those who lost their lives protecting others.

The details

According to police, the bombing was part of a suicide pact between Bruce Sisk and his wife Harriet, who had confessed to strangling their 2-month-old child just days earlier. Sisk forced his way into the jail, detonated the explosives, and killed himself, his wife, and the three law enforcement officers. The blast also injured 11 others and completely destroyed the courthouse building.

  • The bombing occurred on March 2, 1976.
  • A memorial honoring the victims was erected outside the rebuilt jail facility about 11 months after the explosion.

The players

Bruce Sisk

A 19-year-old man who carried out the bombing, killing himself, his wife, and three law enforcement officers.

Harriet Sisk

The 18-year-old wife of Bruce Sisk, who was awaiting trial for strangling their 2-month-old child and was killed in the bombing.

Kenneth Love

A 33-year-old deputy who was killed in the bombing.

Ernest Hesson

A 71-year-old deputy who was killed in the bombing.

Elvin 'Pete' Wedge

The 48-year-old sheriff who was killed in the bombing.

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What they’re saying

“It was terrible you know, it's like being in a war, you still remember those things, still have dreams, losing best friends, partners.”

— Thomas Hatfield, Former Mason County Sheriff's Department employee (WMOV Radio)

“I think it kind of goes without saying, any first responder that lays their life down in the line of duty in service of others I think it's our moral duty to remember them, keep remembrance, we want to support those folks that go out and do this on a daily basis.”

— Corey Miller, Mason County Sheriff (WMOV Radio)

“It's just a small token of our appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice that they gave up for their life for the citizens of Mason County when the jail exploded.”

— Rick Handley, Mason County Commission President (WMOV Radio)

What’s next

The community plans to continue honoring the victims of the bombing through annual remembrance ceremonies and maintaining the memorial outside the rebuilt jail facility.

The takeaway

The Mason County courthouse bombing was a tragic event that highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement and the resilience of small communities in the face of such violence. Fifty years later, the county remains committed to remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others.