Richardson, TX – Richardson Police Officer David Sherrard was fatally shot in the line of duty on Wednesday night.

Officer Sherrard was the first officer ever killed in the line of duty in the 63-year history of the Richardson Police Department (RPD), WFAA reported.

“It’s the hardest day we’ve ever had,” Richardson Police Chief Jimmy Spivey said during a press conference on Thursday. “We’re not doing well. But … this is a police department of professionals. It is an emotionally trying, traumatic day, but they’re out there doing the things they do best serving this community.”

Officer Sherrard was responding to a disturbance call with shots fired at about 7 p.m. on Feb. 7.

When officers arrived on the scene, they found a gunshot victim outside the building. Then they went into the building in search of the suspect.

Chief Spivey said officers went to the suspect’s apartment and immediately encountered gunfire. Officer Sherrard was fatally shot as he entered the apartment.

“A barricade situation ensued, and the suspect was ultimately arrested,” Chief Spivey said.

Officer Sherrard was transported to Medical City Plano where he was later pronounced dead, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Police identified the suspect as Brandon McCall, a 26-year-old insurance agent with a history of altercations with the police. He was charged with capital murder of a police officer.

Officer Sherrard was a 13-year veteran of the police department and a member of the SWAT team. He is survived by a wife and two daughters.

“He exemplified the professionalism, heroism, and strong character inherent in all Richardson police officers. We are grieving and deeply hurt by this loss. We are grateful for the outpouring of support by the public and continue to ask for prayers for Officer Sherrard’s family and friends,” the Richardson police posted on their Facebook page.

His wife, Nicole Bradley Sherrard, posted a heartbreaking message on her own Facebook page early Thursday morning.

“I still can’t believe this is real!!! He seriously was the greatest man in this earth!!! He loved me more than I ever deserved and I’m broken!! I close my eyes and all I see is his smiling face and it’s like a movie with just flashes of memories over 20 years!! I was blessed to be his first girlfriend and his only true love and he loved me and our daughters so much! Please pray for us!! I’m overwhelmed with texts and messages and FB comments. He was a very loved man by so many,” she posted.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Richardson Police Officer David Sherrard, both blood and blue. Godspeed, we will take the watch from here. Thank you for your service.

Officer David Sherrard, your life mattered.