‘She was always a hero to me’ – Arkansas family finds peace after daughter honored for bravery in mass shooting

FORDYCE, Arkansas – A family is finding peace after learning from Arkansas State Police that their daughter, Callie Weems, died Friday while providing medical care to others during a deadly mass shooting.

“I called her, she didn’t answer,” said Helen Browning.

Browning checked on the whereabouts of her daughter, Callie Weems. She was at the Dallas County Medical Center, where Callie worked as a nurse.

“In my mind I kept saying she was there because they called the cavalry. She’s there, she’s working, she’s helping, and she can’t talk,” Browning said.

Bruce Grice, Callie Weems’ stepfather, rushed to the medical center to see if he could find her, and that’s when the storm of emotions began.

Grice found out before Browning made it to the hospital, so when he called, he tried to stay strong until she made it to the hospital.

“I knew, but I didn’t want her to drive and had to tell her the news while driving. Plus, it was difficult to keep my voice sounding normal and not too cracked,” Grice said.

When Browning arrived and saw her best friends waiting, she knew something was wrong.

“She told my sister, ‘I can’t, I can’t tell you it’s OK, it’s all just a blur,'” Browning said.

When they entered the Dallas County Medical Center, they were greeted by one of Callie’s nurse friends.

“He told me it was Callie and I said I wanted to see her and he said they wouldn’t let me because she was part of a crime scene,” Browning said.

The last few days since Friday morning have been filled with love and support from friends and family, but most of all with heartbreak.

“And when the state police said today that she died a hero, she was a hero. To me, she was always a hero,” Browning said.

On Sunday at 2 p.m., the Arkansas State Police held a press conference. During the press conference, Arkansas State Police Director Colonel Mike Hagar mentioned Callie Weems’ heroism.

“For example, instead of fleeing from obvious danger, Callie Weems used her training as a nurse to help a gunshot victim and unfortunately, her selfless actions resulted in her becoming a victim herself,” Hagar said.

According to Grice, Callie ran into the store to help others.

Callie Weems was a third generation nurse and achieved her nursing oath at the highest level.

“I’m grateful that Callie’s heroic actions saved this woman’s life,” Browning said. “I don’t know her. I couldn’t tell you her name, but I would like to meet her.”

Callie’s family described her as selfless. They say this was a prime example of a selfless act and are proud of it.

“God gave her the strength to run into the store to help. Her faith was so strong that if something happened, she knew where she would go, and that was paradise,” Browning said.

Grimes says they know she looks down on them and the daughter she left behind.

“We’re going to raise a beautiful 10-month-old child and he’s going to know that his mother was a hero,” Browning said.

They are still unsure and looking for answers as to why the shooting occurred. However, the family wants to send a message, a message to the suspect’s family.

“We hope they don’t feel guilty for what this guy did. And the Bible tells us to forgive. Jesus forgave the thief on the cross, so we forgive this guy,” Grice said.

What gives them the most peace is the fact that she died without fear.

“She had a calling and she carried that calling to the top, and that gives me peace,” Browning said.