Columbus County honors fallen officers during memorial service
WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — The sound of “Taps” echoed across the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office on Friday as law enforcement officers, loved ones, and community members gathered to honor fallen officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office hosted its annual Peace Officers Memorial Service, recognizing the sacrifice and service of men and women who never made it home. The ceremony served as a time of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for officers who gave their lives serving others.
“It’s very sentimental and dear to my heart to do this for everybody,” said Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers.
The officers honored during Friday’s ceremony served in different departments across the area but were all originally from Columbus County. Their legacies continue to live on through a memorial plaque outside the sheriff’s office.
Rogers said the annual service is meant not only to honor the fallen but also to support the families they left behind.
“It’s a good thing to let the families know they’re not forgotten, and their loved ones are not forgotten, and we try to keep up with them, and if they need anything,” said Rogers.
Rogers said law enforcement is more than a profession — it is a calling — and officers who make a lasting impact on their communities deserve to be remembered.
North Carolina Representative Brenden Jones also addressed families and attendees during the ceremony, highlighting the role officers play in communities.
“They’re expected to bring calm, order, and judgment in the middle of that chaos. That kind of service deserves more than a passing thank you. It deserves respect, it deserves support, and on mornings like this, it demands remembrance,” said Jones.
The ceremony also featured remarks from Superior Court Judge Ashley Gore, who spoke about the importance of recognizing officers who serve communities each day.
“I see the need for good, honest law enforcement officers ready and willing to protect and serve. It is imperative that we have good law enforcement officers, and it is also imperative that we, as a community, show our gratitude and appreciation for their willingness to protect and serve our hometowns,” said Gore.
For many in attendance, the annual service was not only about remembering those lost but ensuring their sacrifices continue to be honored for years to come.
