9/3 Labor Day Monday

For Labor Day, Coach Zach will be hosting the Hero Workout - Josie at 10:30am. 

Josie is one of the newer CrossFit Hero workouts, named for Deputy US Marshal Josie Wells.

Many of you might not know, but I (Coach Zach) was a police officer in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where Josie was murdered. I worked closely with officers who were friends of Josie Wells, some who were part of the fugitive task force, present at the time Josie was shot and killed. I remember hearing the news of Josie's death as I was driving to Bozeman from Lousiana. 

It is always sad to hear about a hero losing their life, but it is a different feeling when it is someone so close to people you know. I had a friend from college who was part of the same US Marshal's internship program with Josie. Another friend/coworker was in the car as they drove Josie to the hospital. He impacted their lives and many others and I hope to pay respect to him on Labor Day through the workout CrossFit has dedicated to him.

Below is information from Officer Down Memorial Page:

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Deputy U.S. Marshal Josie Wells was shot and killed as he and other members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force attempted to serve an arrest warrant on a double-murder suspect at the Elm Grove Motel in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Shots were exchanged as the team attempted to take the man into custody and Deputy Wells was struck. He was transported to a local hospital by another deputy marshal but succumbed to his wounds a short time later. The subject was shot multiple times and died the following day.

Deputy Marshal Wells had served with the United States Marshals Service for four years and was assigned to the Southern District Office in Mississippi. He is survived by his expectant wife, parents, three brothers, and four sisters. His father and three brothers are all law enforcement officers.