Holly Springs Officer, Wife Hurt In Accident To Return Home

Holly Springs Police Officer Shane Ladner and wife Meg Ladner will soon return to the Atlanta area.

That's according to Holly Springs Police Chief Ken Ball, who provided an update to on the Ladner's condition. 

Ball posted on the Holly Springs-Hickory Flat Facebook Page Saturday afternoon, informing residents that Meg Ladner is stable and there are plans to fly the couple back to an Atlanta area hospital "in the next day or so."

Ball said Meg Ladner will be admitted to an Atlanta area hospital where she will continue to recover from injuries she sustained in the accident, which occurred late Thursday afternoon in Midland, Texas. The accident claimed the lives of four people and wounded 17.

Ball also said Holly Springs Police Chaplain Sgt. Brian Cain, along with Ben Cagle of the Hickory Flat-based Cagles Family Farm, are scheduled to leave Texas Saturday afternoon with the rest of the Ladners' family. 

"I do want to thank Ben Cagle... for all his has done for the Ladners and the Holly Springs Police Department," he said. "The outpouring of concern, donations, offers of benefits, food and prayers have been amazing. We will let you all know what we can continue to do once Meg and Shane arrive in Atlanta as they continue on the journey of recovery."

Ball also address rumors that Holly Springs wasn't able to arrange to have the Ladners flown back home. He noted two med-air flight companies were ready to offer their services for free. He also said the Show of Support, local elected officials "have done everything humanly possible to take care of every need for every family member necessary, including air flights, air ambulance, food, lodging, ground transportation (and) clothes."

He also noted various law enforcement agencies have reached out to the department as well as the Ladners, such as Cherokee County Sheriff Roger Garrison, Atlanta Police Chief George Turner and Woodstock Police Chief Calvin Moss. 

"In Cherokee County, it is very obvious to me we stand ready to help our own as a group," he said. "I am very proud to say I serve here and I am very proud of our elected and appointed officials in this county."

The police chief also asked residents to keep the family in their prayers.

Officer Ladner was treated for back injuries he received from the accident while his wife had to have her left leg amputated. Ladner was one of 25 veterans who were participating in the annual "Hunt for Heroes" event coordinated by Show of Support. 

Ladner was chosen by the nonprofit organization to participate in the event and was also recognized for his military service after he was wounded in combat while on duty in Iraq. 

Ladner, a veteran of the United States Army, was wounded twice in combat, which he was recognized with a Valor Award. His injuries eventually forced him to retire from active duty service in the Army. 

Ladner has been served in law enforcement since 2005. He has been employed with the Holly Springs Police Department for three years.

Residents can still help the Ladners by contributing to a benefit fund set up at Cherokee Bank. Donations can be made in person at the bank or by mail to: Cherokee Bank, P.O. Box 4250, Canton, GA 30114. Checks should be made payable to: Ladner Benefit Fund.

Cherokee Bank has a location in Canton and in Woodstock. For more information, call the bank's Canton branch at (770) 479-3400.