Hero Cop Took on Kansas Gunman While Being Fired Upon

A heroic police officer single-handedly took on the gunman who went on a shooting rampage at a Kansas business, saving "multiple" lives, Harvey County Sheriff T. Walton said in a press conference Thursday night.

The officer, whose name was not released, was first on the scene and shot and killed the gunman as he was being fired upon, Walton said.

Walton described him as a "hero, as far as I'm concerned."

Three people were killed and 14 injured when a gunman opened fire on employees of Excel Industries, a manufacturer of heavy duty lawn care equipment in Hesston, Kansas Thursday, as well as in two other nearby locations.

Police said the shooter was employed at Excel. Two law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation confirmed to ABC News that the shooter is 38-year-old Newton resident Cedric Ford.

Excel Industries President and CEO Paul Mullet offered his condolences to those affected by the shooting rampage.

"I'm really saddened by this horrific event," Mullet said. "My heart goes out to all of the employees, all of their families."

A hotline has been set up for employees to get help and find out when business will be re-opened.