Two dates are forever etched into Julie Nordman’s memory.One of them, the day her husband, Randy, was fatally wounded by a fugitive trespassing on their Montgomery County property, she would prefer to forget.The second brought security, as the suspect took his own life while awaiting trial in prison, allowing the widow to breathe a sigh of relief.On Oct. 11, a third and perhaps final story was added to this unwelcome chapter of Nordman’s life. It was a more positive time that provided peace and a long-awaited sense of closure for a close-knit family.The Missouri Highway Patrol and many of those involved in the tragic events of March 8, 2016, reconvened at the Montgomery County Ambulance base in New Florence to recognize the Nordman family with the honor of Honorary Trooper.“It means a lot to me to honor Randy in that way,” said Nordman. “It makes me feel proud and Randy would be proud too.”After three-and-a-half years, the details of that fateful morning on the Nordman homestead were shared with many for the first time. It was not until April 9, when Pablo Serrano-Vitorino was found dead in his jail cell, that authorities were able to consider opening up about the case.“Now that the case is finished, we want to make the story of that day public, because we want to honor him and make sure people truly understand that Randy fought for his life, community and family,” said Trooper Scott White.The news of Serrano-Vitorino’s death came with mixed emotions for Nordman, who says she still lives in fear of her safety and struggles sleeping as a result of the traumatic memories.“I didn’t know whether to feel glad or sad,” said Nordman. “I was glad I wouldn’t have to go to court and relive everything during a trial. I do feel justified. I feel that Randy’s at peace now, because he’s gone.”Nordman still vividly recalls the details of that early morning scuffle between her husband and Serrano-Vitorino, who had fled across the state on Interstate 70 after fatally shooting four people in Kansas City, Kan. He wandered upon the Nordman’s rural property after his car became disabled, walking four miles and passing many other homes in the process.“I had always felt safe, since we live so far in the country,” said Nordman. “But I don’t feel secure anymore. Being by the highway, I don’t like it.”Julie had taken cover in the attic that morning after hearing her husband call out in distress. She witnessed the struggle between her husband and the suspect from a window while relaying information to 911 operator.Randy managed to challenge Serrano-Vitorino enough that his rifle lost its magazine, forcing him to continue on without a loaded gun or a vehicle, which it is presumed he was seeking on the Nordman property. The suspect evaded law enforcement for another 17 hours, hiding out in tall grass and using rainy conditions to his advantage until he was finally apprehended at the intersection of I-70 and Highway 19.It was there that Julie concluded her commemorative afternoon on Friday, joining the arresting officers at the site where Serrano-Vitorino was taken into custody. Thanks to Randy’s efforts, law enforcement were not put in danger, as the suspect surrendered without further violence.Given that Nordman’s efforts stripped the suspect of his additional ammunition, it is presumed Randy may have saved additional lives, as Serrano-Vitorino was later reported to still be using the unloaded rifle in an attempt to steal a vehicle on the I-70 ramp.“Had he not done what he did, there’s no doubt in our minds that other people would’ve died that day,” said White.While citizens of Montgomery County were on edge and schools on lockdown, Randy’s community was ultimately safe thanks to his sacrifice earlier that morning.“We’re proud of Randy for what he did to fight for himself, and we miss him terribly,” said Randy’s mother, Vera Nordman.On Friday, members of Nordman’s family were presented with plaques from the Highway Patrol, as a few dozen law enforcement and local citizens gathered to show their respect. The title of Honorary Trooper has been bestowed upon fewer than 500 people in its 88-year history.“The purpose of today is to let the loved ones know that we didn’t forget,” said White. “We’ll always remember the sacrifices that Randy made for his community.

Julie Nordman, center, was presented with the Honorary Trooper award on Oct. 11. 

Derrick Forsythe photo