A day later, the crime scene has changed from chaotic to calm.

24 hours after Headland Police Officer and Chief Investigator Dexter Hammond was killed in a shoot-out a few miles east of the city he served. Those he worked with are trying to come to terms with the loss of a "brother."

"He was a great officer and a good friend," says Headland Police Chief Mark Jones. "He was doing what he loved. He was here to back up another officer."

Hammond was responding to an "officer down" call after the first person on the scene, Henry County Sheriff Deputy Ted Yost suffered gunshot wounds to the face. Investigators say Hammond was killed with a single shot from a high-power rifle.

Witnesses and neighbors tell investigators the shooting suspect, 53-year old Fred Davis of the Granberry Crossroads community, suffered from severe mood swings.

"He just snapped," says Henry County Sheriff Will Maddox referring to Davis. "We have been here numerous times over the year and he always complied with officers. But this time he ambushed the officers."

Sheriff Maddox says he is unsure if Davis had ever been arrested.

When the call went out, officers from in and around Henry County rushed to the scene, led by Chief Investigator Hammond.

"Usually when you get gunshots or something bad going on, the average person runs the other way," says Chief Jones. "Law enforcement runs to it. And that's Dexter. The shots came out with officer down and he didn't hesitate."

"The city is in shock," adds Mayor of Headland Ray Marler. "We are a close knit family. Dexter was not only a great employee but a good friend."

Chief Mark Jones says Hammond was the life of the department.

"Everybody loved him, and he was always joking and kidding around," says Chief Jones. "In the office everyone would run from him taking pictures because he would turn them into cartoons up on the wall. That was Dexter. He never had a hard heart for anyone."

Chief Jones and Sheriff Maddox both applauded the response from area law enforcement Friday.

"You had officers coming from a 50 mile radius," said Chief Jones. "They didn't hesitate. They were coming to help. I mean what else can you say."

As of Saturday Deputy Ted Yost remains in Intensive Care at Southeast Alabama Medical Center. According to investigators, he was shot 3 times in the head and face by a shotgun. They fear he may be blind in both eyes.

Fred Davis was shot and killed by a responding officer from outside Henry County.

The scene was clear Saturday afternoon. A spray paint outline can be seen behind the house, as well as a copy of The Bible on top of his garbage can.