ENTERPRISE, Ala. (WDHN) — The city of Enterprise has released the following statement from Mayor Bill Cooper on the death of Joshua Kaleb Watson, the Enterprise native that was killed in the shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola:

The Enterprise community suffered a tremendous blow Friday upon hearing of the death of one of our own, Joshua Watson.

A sailor stationed at Pensacola, young Watson was killed in a senseless active shooter attack at Pensacola Naval Air Base. I do not know details of the attack at this time, but we know that Joshua was a hero saving his country at the time of his death. I am proud of him for his service and dedication to his country.

On behalf of the City Council, we offer our deepest condolences to Joshua’s parents and his family. We are shocked and saddened by the loss of this young man, who has been described by EHS officials as an exceptional student with a bright future. We are now left to mourn with Joshua’s family about what might have been.

He has made the ultimate sacrifice, and though we do not understand, we are grateful.

The City of Enterprise has endured losses in the past, including men and women of the military that have left us tragically, and too young. Once again, we ask our community to come together to pray for strength and comfort for Joshua’s parents, to mourn and remember him, and to pay tribute to his sacrifice.

The Mayor has requested the Governor to declare flags be flown at half staff in Enterprise in honor of Joshua until after he is laid to rest.