Statesville, NC – The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office joined law enforcement agencies from across North Carolina today to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The occasion was the North Carolina Peace Officers’ Memorial Day Ceremony, hosted by the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, held at Beulah Baptist Church in Statesville.
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office was represented at the event by several officers who traveled in convoy with their colleagues from the Siler City Police Department. Their presence underscored the strong commitment of law enforcement agencies to honor their fallen comrades.
Chatham County Sheriff’s Office representatives, led by Chief Deputy Steve Maynor, gathered with approximately 200 officers from various agencies to pay homage to four fallen officers who tragically lost their lives while serving their communities. Honored during the ceremony were Officer Gabriel Jesus Torres, 29, of the Raleigh Police Department, Deputy Sheriff Auston “Rudy” Smith Reudelhuber, 32, of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Russell Earl Lavarl Jones, 36, of the Pamlico County Sheriff’s Office, and Sgt. Philip Dale Nix, 50, of the Greensboro Police Department.
“During Peace Officers’ Memorial Week, we remember and honor those who have given their lives in service to their communities,” Chief Maynor said. “We honor their service and dedication while praying for those families that have lost their loved ones. We stand together to support the men and women who continue to serve and protect our community each day as they have chosen to answer the call. Each day, we appreciate the bravery and commitment each one gives to keep our communities safe.”
Siler City Police Chief Brian Regan noted, “Every day, brave men and women put on their uniforms and leave their families not knowing if they will return home. We can go about living our daily lives without being in constant fear because law enforcement officers are willing to put their lives before the people they protect, our communities are safer, and we owe them our appreciation and support.”
Speaking to the sizeable crowd assembled for the occasion, Attorney General Josh Stein said, “All too often we are reminded of the sacrifice our men and women in law enforcement make to keep us safe,” said Attorney General of North Carolina Josh Stein. “It is right and good to thank and to honor them and their families. We gather here to remember them, to express our gratitude, and to share our appreciation and grief with their families.”
Stein also acknowledged the deaths in the line of duty last week of four law enforcement officers in Charlotte. The tragic deaths of those officers, who will be honored at next year’s Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony, emphasize the challenges law enforcement officers encounter in the line of duty.
On this Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, we pay tribute to the heroes who have laid down their lives to protect and serve our communities. Their commitment and selfless dedication will never be forgotten.