Friends and family of fallen Columbus County officers gathered Friday for a memorial service at the sheriff’s office.
The Peace Officers Memorial observance is held annually to remember the sacrifices of the 12 local men who died in the line of duty since 1909, when Constable Jesse Long was killed by a prisoner in his custody at the Bug Hill constable’s office. The latest line of duty death was Kevin Conner, a Highway Patrol Trooper killed during a traffic stop in 2018. Conner’s killers are awaiting trial.
Conner’s widow Miranda, his children Braxson and Briley, and his parents Glenn and Kay were among the family members attending Friday’s service. Mayor Billy Hammond of Fair Bluff represented his town and the families of Bradd Cribb and Lennie Hammond. Cribb died from injuries sustained in a shootout with a thief, and Hammond died in a car crash while pursuing a pair of robbery suspects. The chase passed through the Farmers Day parade route, and Hammond swerved to avoid another vehicle.
The youngest of the officers honored Friday was Timothy Shane Miller, a Tabor City Patrolman who died in a car crash on his first shift.
Other county men who died in the line of duty were Dep. Hoke Smith; Trooper Harry Long; Deputy Milton Hardwick; Wildlife Officer Troy Sigmon; Charlotte Police Officer Andy Nobles; Depouty Robert Hinson; and NCDMV Officer Franklin Perritte.
A crowd of around 100 people attended the service, including officers and troopers from each of the county’s departments and Highway Patrol. Sheriff Jody Greene called the fallen officers “our greatest heroes,” and told the crowd that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Chief Deputy Aaron Herring led the Policeman’s Prayer, and Deputy David Redwine sang the National Anthem as well as a gospel song adopted by many departments, “We’re Soldiers Again.”
Rep. Brenden Jones echoed the words of Pastor Dale McPherson, who read John 15:13.
“Greater love hath no man than he lay down his life for another,” Jones said. “That is what these men did.”
“We honor the members of an exclusive club…those who served selflessly and nobly, and those they left behind,” Jones said.
