Security Officers Worked as a Team

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. - For the first time Thursday, one of the other special officers who faced down the gunman inside the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum spoke with FOX 5 about the terrifying ordeal.

Harry Weeks has years of experience protecting the public, and at his home Charles County, he spoke about the shooting and the friend he lost.

Officer Harry Weeks spoke reluctantly, but took time to talk about the team and an officer killed in the line of duty. He is a retired D.C. police officer and evidence technician, and he has seen a lot in nearly 30 years. He says this was the toughest day of his life.

When chaos broke out at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, 2,000 people were inside. A group of special police officers rushed to the doors and saved countless lives.

On Thursday, city leaders put into perspective their heroic acts.

"We want to pause to thank and acknowledge not just Officer Johns, but all the officers," said D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty. "Their efforts saved lives of countless people."

Officer Weeks, who fired his weapon during the shooting, spoke softly with his voice cracking when he told FOX 5 about the incident.

"We lost Officer Johns," said Officer Weeks. "One life lost was too much. I hope he will be remembered for giving his life. He is a man of uncommon valor."

When 88-year-old James von Brunn walked in the museum filled with hate, he opened fire. Weeks said the close-knit group acted swiftly. On Thursday, the union spokesman said that it's more than a team-- its family.

"They are a family," said Assane Faye, spokesman for the Police and Fire Professionals of America. "They team up as a team. They are a band of brothers. It's how it is— its how they are. One person in trouble, they are all in trouble. They demonstrated that yesterday."

Weeks confirmed that thought.

"You're close with each other," Weeks said. "You need to have teamwork and know how to react. It is great to be on a post with four to five qualified people. They are exceptional. The training is the best I've seen in 27 years as an officer. "

It all unfolded in minutes. For the officers, the work is normally routine, balancing security with customer service. Weeks is glad he was there on what would have been his normal day off.

Despite the praise, there is no glory, Weeks said.

"It's sad," he said. "It hurts. I can't bring back Officer Johns. It was a strange experience. It was like I was supposed to be there."

Officer Weeks was there along with another 30-year-old officer. All of them were supposed to play basketball on Sunday. Weeks said Johns bet the boys he had a better jump shot.