MOUNT VERNON, MO.---- After a day's work, Lawrence County Detective, Sergeant Chris Berry trades in his patrol gear for bows and arrows. What started as a hobby at the age of 6, turned into a finely tuned skill, even adding championship titles under his belt.
"The World Police and Firefighter Games when I went to Vancouver, Canada 3 years ago. I was able to compete with people from all over the world. I was able to win 3 gold medals," says Sergeant Chris Berry, Lawrence County Detective.
His most recent win was at the world championships in Las Vegas this past weekend.
"This is the 2nd time in 3 years that I've won the Vegas Shoot. It is the Super Bowl of indoor archery for us," says Berry.
Berry trains at Hideaway Archery in Carthage, where owner Bill Bayless has seen him put his skills to work.
"He's one of the best shots. As you can see from some of the targets. He's got a pretty good X count, which that's what it's all about," says Bill Bayless, Hideaway Archery, Owner.
His skill with the bow was best shown when he came across a man cooking meth in the woods.
"I didn't have a gun, which is kinda scary, but I know how well I can shoot a bow. So, I wasn't terribly concerned," says Berry.
Berry was off duty but called Brad Delay who was a deputy at the time to arrive on scene.
"I draw back on the guy, and tell him 'Sheriff's Department put your hands up,' and he's freaking out," says Berry.
Delay was able to make the arrest. Which makes a great story for the world champion archer.
"Certainly was an interesting story for me not on-duty, but kinda on duty," says Berry.
Berry plans to compete next month in Georgia for another national archery event. The saying, like father like son, is true for the Berry's. Chris's 17-year-old son is also a world champion archer.
"The World Police and Firefighter Games when I went to Vancouver, Canada 3 years ago. I was able to compete with people from all over the world. I was able to win 3 gold medals," says Sergeant Chris Berry, Lawrence County Detective.
His most recent win was at the world championships in Las Vegas this past weekend.
"This is the 2nd time in 3 years that I've won the Vegas Shoot. It is the Super Bowl of indoor archery for us," says Berry.
Berry trains at Hideaway Archery in Carthage, where owner Bill Bayless has seen him put his skills to work.
"He's one of the best shots. As you can see from some of the targets. He's got a pretty good X count, which that's what it's all about," says Bill Bayless, Hideaway Archery, Owner.
His skill with the bow was best shown when he came across a man cooking meth in the woods.
"I didn't have a gun, which is kinda scary, but I know how well I can shoot a bow. So, I wasn't terribly concerned," says Berry.
Berry was off duty but called Brad Delay who was a deputy at the time to arrive on scene.
"I draw back on the guy, and tell him 'Sheriff's Department put your hands up,' and he's freaking out," says Berry.
Delay was able to make the arrest. Which makes a great story for the world champion archer.
"Certainly was an interesting story for me not on-duty, but kinda on duty," says Berry.
Berry plans to compete next month in Georgia for another national archery event. The saying, like father like son, is true for the Berry's. Chris's 17-year-old son is also a world champion archer.
