The security guard who was killed during the shooting at a New Hampshire psychiatric hospital on Friday is being remembered for his years of public service and his heroism in protecting others.
Bradley Haas, 63, was working as a security officer at New Hampshire Hospital in Concord when a gunman opened fire in the front lobby. Despite efforts to save him, Haas died of his injuries.
The gunman, identified by law enforcement on Saturday as John Madore, 33, was killed by a state trooper assigned to the hospital.
Haas was working for the Department of Safety at the time of the shooting. Before that, he spent 28 years with the Franklin, NH police department, starting as a patrol officer and eventually being named chief. He retired from the department in 2008. He was also a U.S. Army veteran.
“Chief Haas was already a hero when he walked into work yesterday given his service tour country to our state to his community but he will now be remembered as a man who died protecting patients, staff and visitors at New Hampshire Hospital,” Attorney General John Formella said in a press conference Saturday morning.
Formella said Haas had been working security for the hospital since 2019. He was not armed, which was typical of his role. There were other people inside the lobby at the time of the shooting, but no other injuries were reported.
“I do think it is safe to say that without the actions of Bradley Haas and without the actions of the trooper on scene, as we’ve said this could have been a lot worse,” Formella said.
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Gov. Chris Sununu said on social media he was extending his sincere condolences to Haas' family.
At a press conference Saturday he honored Hass for his years of service and actions protecting others.
"An absolutely dedicated public servant, state employee who gave his life protecting patients at staff at New Hampshire Hospital," Sununu said of Haas.
The Franklin Police Department said it will fly their flags at half-staff wearing mourning bands in their badges.
The New Hampshire Department of Safety Commissioner Robert L. Quinn released a statement offering condolences to Haas' family.
“On behalf of all members of the New Hampshire Department of Safety, I extend our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Security Officer Bradley Haas. Officer Haas was a dedicated member of the Safety team who died a hero protecting the patients and staff of New Hampshire Hospital. Our hearts ache at this loss." said Quinn.
The investigation into the shooting, including what may have been the motivation, remains under investigation. Officials said Saturday they do not believe there is a current threat to the public.
For family members of New Hampshire Hospital patients and staff looking for information about their loved ones, the Department of Health and Human Services has established a call center, that will remain open until further notice.
The phone number is 603-271-3004.
