Editor's note: Jim and Doris Tucker issued this statement and gave the Star permission to publish it on the editorial pages:
We wish to release this statement to the media concerning the tragic events of Saturday, Jan. 8, in Tucson.
We have been residents of Tucson since 1984. Jim is currently employed at Raytheon and Doris at the University of Arizona. We attended the "Congress on Your Corner" event hosted by U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, at the Safeway at Oracle and Ina roads, to express appreciation for her service as our congressional representative.
We were both talking with Congresswoman Giffords when the shooting started. Jim was struck by bullets in his right shoulder and right leg; Doris, thankfully, was not injured.
We wish to thank the Northwest Fire District, the Golder Ranch Fire District, the Tucson Fire Department, Southwest Ambulance, the Pima County Sheriff's Department, the Oro Valley Police Department and various other law-enforcement agencies for their prompt and professional responses.
The successful results of their efforts are perfect examples of when prior preparation meets opportunity; when the opportunity arises it's too late to prepare.
We wish to thank University Medical Center's emergency room, intensive care and trauma center staffs for providing outstanding care during Jim's weeklong stay.
To the entire Tucson community and friends around the world, we wish to express our thanks for the many prayers and expressions of concern toward us. To the good Samaritans, who aided and comforted Jim prior to the arrival of the emergency responders, and who sat with Doris in the emergency room, you have our special thanks. To our local church, we especially thank you for the many prayers, encouragements and acts of kindness on our behalf.
And finally, to our family members who supported us in myriad ways, you have been invaluable.
Beyond this statement, we do not wish to discuss this tragic incident with the news media. We appreciate your understanding and your respect for our privacy.
