1 00:44:42,020 --> 00:44:51,180 Father, we gather with humble hearts and solemn remembrance. We pose to honor the brave men and women of the Charlotte 2 00:44:51,180 --> 00:44:59,100 Neklenburg Police Department. Those who serve and answer the call to serve to protect and to stand 3 00:44:59,100 --> 00:44:59,980 courageously. 4 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:09,620 In the face of danger. We remember those who may the ultimate sacrifice land down their lives in service to others. 5 00:45:10,120 --> 00:45:20,900 Lord, we thank you for their courage for their dedication and their unwavering commitment to justice, to peace and to the communities they serve. 6 00:45:20,900 --> 00:45:28,020 We ask that you surround their families, their loved ones, their fellow officers, and the 7 00:45:28,020 --> 00:45:33,660 entire community with your comfort, your strength, and your enduring peace. 8 00:45:34,520 --> 00:45:41,260 Great healing, what grief remains heavy, great courage to those who continue to watch. 9 00:45:41,900 --> 00:45:49,320 Great wisdom to all who wear the badge with honor, made the memory of these fallen heroes 10 00:45:49,320 --> 00:45:57,660 never fade. May their sacrifice remind us of the true cost of service and may we as a 11 00:45:57,660 --> 00:46:05,740 community continue to uphold the values of honor and integrity and unity for which they 12 00:46:05,740 --> 00:46:14,320 stood. Father, protect every officer serving today, guide their steps, shield their hearts, 13 00:46:14,320 --> 00:46:20,300 and let their presence be their refnutes, their strength, and their coverage. 14 00:46:21,520 --> 00:46:28,260 As we remember those, we have lost, may we find hope and knowing that their legacy lives 15 00:46:28,260 --> 00:46:35,960 on in this department, in this city, and in the countless lives that they touch, in your 16 00:46:35,960 --> 00:46:38,280 holy name we pray, amen. 17 00:46:46,900 --> 00:46:47,600 Please be seated. 18 00:46:47,600 --> 00:46:48,660 This 19 00:46:51,610 --> 00:46:55,590 time I'd like to welcome Charlotte McIverk Police Department Chief Estella Patterson. 20 00:47:05,330 --> 00:47:05,790 Good morning. 21 00:47:06,410 --> 00:47:10,450 On behalf of the Charlotte McIverk Police Department, I'd like to extend a warm welcome 22 00:47:10,450 --> 00:47:14,330 to everyone joining us today, both in person and online. 23 00:47:14,890 --> 00:47:18,650 As we celebrate the lives and memories of our fallen brothers and sisters, 24 00:47:19,390 --> 00:47:24,510 this week is National Police Week across the nation and we are all remaining steadfast 25 00:47:24,510 --> 00:47:27,210 in our promise that we will never forget the courage, 26 00:47:27,610 --> 00:47:30,130 the service, nor the unwavering commitment, 27 00:47:30,730 --> 00:47:33,490 these men and women gave to the Charlotte Mackinburg police 28 00:47:33,490 --> 00:47:34,130 department. 29 00:47:34,810 --> 00:47:36,750 In the words of President John F. Kennedy, 30 00:47:37,590 --> 00:47:40,330 as we express gratitude, we must never forget 31 00:47:40,330 --> 00:47:44,350 that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words 32 00:47:44,350 --> 00:47:47,430 of their service, but to live by them. 33 00:47:47,890 --> 00:47:50,870 Their legacy demands that we do exactly that. 34 00:47:51,590 --> 00:47:56,730 We are so honored today to have our many partners, leaders, and neighbors standing alongside 35 00:47:56,730 --> 00:47:57,490 us. 36 00:47:57,730 --> 00:48:01,370 I would like to take a moment to recognize some of our esteemed guests. 37 00:48:01,810 --> 00:48:04,270 The Honorable North Carolina Senator would send Bradley. 38 00:48:05,070 --> 00:48:10,390 We have representative Caroline Logan, council member, the one in Mayfield. 39 00:48:10,930 --> 00:48:16,350 U.S. Attorney of the Western District of North Carolina, Russ Ferguson, McWemburg County 40 00:48:16,350 --> 00:48:22,270 District Attorney Spencer Merriweather and Dr. Bishop Robert Merriweather of 41 00:48:22,270 --> 00:48:27,150 Arc Ministries Incorporated and also to we have our FBI special agent and 42 00:48:27,150 --> 00:48:30,790 charge Redaibis. I want to thank each of you for being here for your 43 00:48:30,790 --> 00:48:36,190 presence and for your strong support of our law enforcement family. I'd also 44 00:48:36,190 --> 00:48:39,430 like to acknowledge our partners from neighboring agencies who are joining us 45 00:48:39,430 --> 00:48:44,150 today from the town of Pineville, Chief of Police, Michael Hudgen, 46 00:48:44,150 --> 00:48:51,570 Hudgeon, Town of Matthew, Chief of Police, James Avens, Town of Mittenhill, Chief of Police, Joseph Hattley, 47 00:48:52,410 --> 00:48:58,830 Town of Davidson, Chief of Police, Philip Geiger, Town of Huntersville, Chief of Police, Brian Fawn, 48 00:48:59,870 --> 00:49:07,870 Town of Cornelius, Chief, Chief, David Bachum, UNCC Chief, Jeff Baker, Mechmanberg County, 49 00:49:08,190 --> 00:49:12,710 Sheriff, Gary McFadden, and I'd also like to welcome any other leaders from our state and federal 50 00:49:12,710 --> 00:49:18,810 partners, and also like to acknowledge our respective executive and command staffs and every officer 51 00:49:18,810 --> 00:49:21,850 that is here today both active and retired. 52 00:49:22,910 --> 00:49:27,370 To all of our law enforcement professionals, your presence here today speaks volumes about 53 00:49:27,370 --> 00:49:29,350 the unity of this profession. 54 00:49:30,030 --> 00:49:35,290 There may be different uniforms here in this building, but we share one mission and one heart. 55 00:49:36,210 --> 00:49:41,490 Although we gather every year for this memorial service, the weight of the moment never diminishes. 56 00:49:41,490 --> 00:49:46,310 This is my first ceremonial ceremony here as a chief of police. 57 00:49:46,890 --> 00:49:52,130 And as I stand here and I look into the sea of blue and green and gray and tan. 58 00:49:52,690 --> 00:49:58,190 And the many faces of our community, my desire to serve this community is reaffirmed. 59 00:49:58,950 --> 00:50:02,350 And while I am humbled and honored to serve the city of Charlotte, 60 00:50:02,490 --> 00:50:10,830 it is an even greater honor to stand among the families, friends and colleagues of the heroes we gather today to remember. 61 00:50:11,490 --> 00:50:19,030 to the families of our fallen, while today is a formal ceremony that marks one specific day on the calendar, 62 00:50:19,910 --> 00:50:24,590 we know for you every single day is a day of remembrance. 63 00:50:25,910 --> 00:50:29,250 Please know that you do not carry that weight alone. 64 00:50:29,810 --> 00:50:32,330 We are in this together and we are here for you. 65 00:50:32,930 --> 00:50:36,350 Your loved ones are not just names on a wall or a list and a program. 66 00:50:36,350 --> 00:50:41,710 They remain the very best that we have. 67 00:50:42,510 --> 00:50:44,150 Today, we just don't honor their sacrifice. 68 00:50:44,430 --> 00:50:47,710 We honor their incredible selfless life that they lived. 69 00:50:48,550 --> 00:50:50,830 And as we begin today's ceremony today, 70 00:50:51,170 --> 00:50:55,510 let us all recommit ourselves to the values they live by, 71 00:50:55,910 --> 00:51:00,670 service, integrity, and unwavering dedication to this profession. 72 00:51:01,430 --> 00:51:05,230 We will never forget their names, and we will never forget their sacrifices. 73 00:51:05,230 --> 00:51:09,510 Again, thank you for being here and welcome to today's service. 74 00:51:19,860 --> 00:51:20,540 Thank you, Chief. 75 00:51:21,700 --> 00:51:25,980 Please welcome Cornelius, Police Department, Chaplain, Paul, Trabetsky. 76 00:51:26,440 --> 00:51:30,000 We'll provide a scripture reading followed by seeing PD Officer Kelvin Moore. 77 00:51:30,300 --> 00:51:33,680 We'll sing a beautiful selection called Hold Me Now by Kirk Franklin. 78 00:51:41,990 --> 00:51:44,950 Thank you, Chief Panterson, for those kind words to welcome everyone here today. 79 00:51:45,750 --> 00:51:50,970 Well, as we gather here this morning is a place where gratitude and grief meet. 80 00:51:50,970 --> 00:51:55,590 We gather not only because duty calls us here, but because love does. 81 00:51:56,430 --> 00:52:02,990 We gather to bear witness to lives that were lived with courage, to service that was given 82 00:52:02,990 --> 00:52:06,890 without hesitation, and to sacrifice that cannot be measured. 83 00:52:07,750 --> 00:52:13,610 There are names we will hear today, some recently added, others long and grave in memory. 84 00:52:13,610 --> 00:52:16,370 But none of them are just names. 85 00:52:17,590 --> 00:52:20,770 Each one represents a life poured out in protection of others. 86 00:52:21,350 --> 00:52:23,470 Each one represents a promise kept. 87 00:52:24,030 --> 00:52:25,930 In the gospel of John Jesus said, 88 00:52:26,510 --> 00:52:28,650 Greater love has no one than this. 89 00:52:29,610 --> 00:52:32,170 To lay down one's life for one's friends. 90 00:52:33,390 --> 00:52:34,970 Those words are not spoken lightly. 91 00:52:35,610 --> 00:52:37,650 You describe the highest form of love. 92 00:52:38,630 --> 00:52:40,570 Every officer we remember today, 93 00:52:41,110 --> 00:52:43,590 stepped into uncertainty so that others might live. 94 00:52:43,590 --> 00:52:50,250 in the safety. They ran toward danger when others ran away. They stood in the gap between chaos 95 00:52:50,250 --> 00:52:57,210 and calm. That kind of courage leaves a mark, not only on a community, but on eternity. But 96 00:52:57,210 --> 00:53:04,470 today is not only about valor. It's also about the families, both blood and badge. It's about 97 00:53:04,470 --> 00:53:09,510 the spouses who carry memories and quiet rooms. It's about the children who grow up holding 98 00:53:09,510 --> 00:53:17,590 stories instead of hands. The partners who still glance toward an empty sea, the squads who 99 00:53:17,590 --> 00:53:26,410 feel absence and roll call. The Psalmist writes to us in Psalm 34 verse 18, the Lord is close 100 00:53:26,410 --> 00:53:33,110 to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. God does not observe your 101 00:53:33,110 --> 00:53:39,490 sorrow from a distance. He draws near to it. He sees the silent tears. He hears the late night 102 00:53:39,490 --> 00:53:45,810 prayers and limits. He understands the strength it takes to show up, to stand tall, and to 103 00:53:45,810 --> 00:53:51,670 keep moving forward. I know you all know this truth that grief does not follow a schedule. 104 00:53:52,390 --> 00:53:59,490 It arrives unexpectedly. It lingers longer than we think it will. It changes shape over time. 105 00:54:00,230 --> 00:54:05,710 And yet, even in grief, there is something else present. And what is present is legacy. 106 00:54:06,570 --> 00:54:13,210 The legacy and character of these officers' lives lives on in the integrity they model and the 107 00:54:13,210 --> 00:54:16,270 courage they displayed in the oath they honored. 108 00:54:16,890 --> 00:54:22,950 An example they set for the next generation, the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy these words, 109 00:54:23,830 --> 00:54:29,830 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith, those words 110 00:54:29,830 --> 00:54:30,750 echo today. 111 00:54:31,430 --> 00:54:38,130 These officers, they fought the good fight, they finished their race, they kept the faith. 112 00:54:38,630 --> 00:54:43,690 And to those who continue to serve today, your presence here matters, your calling matters, 113 00:54:44,230 --> 00:54:46,170 the bad you wear is more than metal. 114 00:54:46,370 --> 00:54:49,610 It's a symbol of restraint and a restless world. 115 00:54:50,390 --> 00:54:52,690 It's a symbol of order in moments of confusion. 116 00:54:53,130 --> 00:54:55,190 It's a symbol of protection for the vulnerable. 117 00:54:55,190 --> 00:55:04,270 Micah 68 reminds us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. 118 00:55:05,010 --> 00:55:15,910 That calling describes the best of law enforcement, justice without cruelty, authority without arrogance and strength guided by humility. 119 00:55:16,910 --> 00:55:22,170 So today we remember the fallen, but we also reaffirm the calling. 120 00:55:22,170 --> 00:55:30,210 We honor sacrifice, but we also strengthen resolve, and we place all of it our sorrow, our 121 00:55:30,210 --> 00:55:34,750 gratitude, our questions, our memories into the hands of a faithful God. 122 00:55:35,390 --> 00:55:37,430 Revelation 21-4 gives us a promise. 123 00:55:37,970 --> 00:55:42,810 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, there will be no more death or mourning or crying 124 00:55:42,810 --> 00:55:43,610 or pain. 125 00:55:44,650 --> 00:55:49,210 That promise does not erase today's ache though, but it does assure us that this is not 126 00:55:49,210 --> 00:55:50,050 the final chapter. 127 00:55:50,050 --> 00:55:56,710 So when we leave this place today, may we carry three quiet commitments in our hearts, first, 128 00:55:57,330 --> 00:56:04,690 to remember with gratitude, secondly, to support with compassion and lastly to serve with 129 00:56:04,690 --> 00:56:10,690 integrity, and may the God who sees every sacrifice who counts every tear and who honors 130 00:56:10,690 --> 00:56:13,970 every act of courage hold each of you steady. 131 00:56:13,970 --> 00:56:20,190 to the families. You are not forgotten. To the officers, your service is not unnoticed 132 00:56:20,190 --> 00:56:26,330 and to the fallen. Your lives are not in vain and closing. May God grant strength 133 00:56:26,330 --> 00:56:32,430 where it is needed. Comfort where it is long for. And courage for the days ahead. Amen 134 00:56:32,430 --> 00:56:33,390 and amen. 135 01:03:05,070 --> 01:03:12,550 The following families have lost a loved one in the line of duty, and they've graciously joined us this morning, and I'd like to recognize them now. 136 01:03:13,630 --> 01:03:16,170 The family of Sergeant Lewis Robinson, 137 01:03:20,400 --> 01:03:22,080 the family of Officer Mark Swaney, 138 01:03:24,990 --> 01:03:27,050 the family of Officer Sean Clark, 139 01:03:30,390 --> 01:03:32,490 the family of Sergeant Scott Futrell, 140 01:03:34,980 --> 01:03:37,520 and the family of Officer Joshua Eyer. 141 01:03:40,020 --> 01:03:41,020 Thank you for being here. 142 01:03:42,540 --> 01:03:45,980 Matthew's police chief James Avens will now read the role call of honor. 143 01:03:46,300 --> 01:03:47,000 Chief Avens. 144 01:04:10,100 --> 01:04:13,580 I want to take a moment to personally think Chief Patterson. 145 01:04:14,680 --> 01:04:22,780 The Charlotte Mecklenburg police department and the families of the distinct honor of calling the names for the twenty twenty six. 146 01:04:22,780 --> 01:04:24,940 roll call of honor. 147 01:04:34,640 --> 01:04:36,940 I share John Cooke, 148 01:04:37,460 --> 01:04:39,400 MacConburg County Sheriff's Office, 149 01:04:42,390 --> 01:04:44,030 Officer James Morin, 150 01:04:45,130 --> 01:04:46,470 Charlotte Police Department, 151 01:04:50,320 --> 01:04:52,300 Officer James H. Brown, 152 01:04:52,880 --> 01:04:54,240 Charlotte Police Department, 153 01:04:57,130 --> 01:04:58,730 Officer Samson, E. Co. 154 01:04:59,810 --> 01:05:01,210 Charlotte Police Department, 155 01:05:03,680 --> 01:05:07,000 Special Officer J. Robert Estrich, 156 01:05:07,000 --> 01:05:09,200 Charlotte Police Department, 157 01:05:11,830 --> 01:05:16,170 Officer John Fasperman, Charlotte Police Department, 158 01:05:18,480 --> 01:05:19,000 Chief of 159 01:05:19,000 --> 01:05:23,520 Detectives, Joe Orr, Charlotte Police Department, 160 01:05:25,590 --> 01:05:29,650 Detective John N. Buyers, Charlotte Police 161 01:05:29,650 --> 01:05:30,230 Department, 162 01:05:32,500 --> 01:05:37,080 Officer Robert M. Reed, Charlotte Police Department, 163 01:05:39,220 --> 01:05:41,460 Officer H. Agar Correl, 164 01:05:41,460 --> 01:05:47,500 Charlotte Police Department. Officer William S. Rogers, 165 01:05:49,040 --> 01:05:50,900 Methamber County Police Department, 166 01:05:54,520 --> 01:05:55,540 Thomas H. 167 01:05:55,860 --> 01:05:58,860 Pinkens, Charlotte Police Department, 168 01:06:01,390 --> 01:06:02,830 Officer Benjamin H. 169 01:06:03,230 --> 01:06:06,190 Frye, Charlotte Police Department, 170 01:06:08,590 --> 01:06:10,390 Officer Charles P. 171 01:06:10,390 --> 01:06:14,090 Nicholas Shawler, Police Department, 172 01:06:16,520 --> 01:06:19,000 Officer Rufus L. Bigger, 173 01:06:20,160 --> 01:06:22,380 Mackenberg County Police Department, 174 01:06:24,570 --> 01:06:27,750 Chief John Albert Rape, 175 01:06:28,070 --> 01:06:33,650 Honestville Police Department, Detective Shawl's H. Baker, 176 01:06:35,050 --> 01:06:40,400 Shawler, Police Department, Officer Raph A. White, 177 01:06:40,400 --> 01:06:50,640 Cornelius Police Department, Officer Johnny Reed, Ennis, Charlotte Police Department, 178 01:06:52,800 --> 01:06:53,040 Officer 179 01:06:53,040 --> 01:07:04,540 Paul Reed, Mecklenburg County Police Department, Sergeant Louis E. Robinson, Mecklenburg 180 01:07:04,540 --> 01:07:06,040 California Police Department, 181 01:07:08,440 --> 01:07:14,140 Officer Ronnie E. McGraw, Meckonburg County Police Department, 182 01:07:16,740 --> 01:07:25,940 Special Agent Gregory W. Spanelli, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Officer Edmund 183 01:07:25,940 --> 01:07:30,180 Ian Cannon, Charlotte Police Department, 184 01:07:32,190 --> 01:07:36,630 Officer Ernest Coleman, Charlotte Police Department, 185 01:07:37,980 --> 01:07:41,380 Deputy Sheriff Edmund V. Thomas Junier, 186 01:07:42,780 --> 01:07:44,860 Mithamberg County Sheriff's Office, 187 01:07:46,590 --> 01:07:50,530 Officer Tommy Correction Timothy W. Wintington, 188 01:07:51,270 --> 01:07:56,640 Charlotte Police Department, Officer Robert L. Smith, 189 01:07:57,440 --> 01:07:58,840 Charlotte Police Department, 190 01:08:01,240 --> 01:08:04,260 Officer M. Terry Lahouse, 191 01:08:04,980 --> 01:08:06,360 Charlotte Police Department, 192 01:08:09,090 --> 01:08:11,270 Officer Eugene A. Griffin, 193 01:08:11,270 --> 01:08:19,260 Charlotte Police Department. Officer Andy A. Nobles. Charlotte. 194 01:08:19,680 --> 01:08:21,100 Mecklenburg Police Department. 195 01:08:23,160 --> 01:08:25,460 Officer John T. Burnett. 196 01:08:26,380 --> 01:08:28,420 Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. 197 01:08:30,470 --> 01:08:32,590 Officer Jackie Daniel. 198 01:08:33,710 --> 01:08:35,950 North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. 199 01:08:38,430 --> 01:08:39,830 Officer Mark A. 200 01:08:39,830 --> 01:08:42,130 Soining, Davidson, 201 01:08:45,320 --> 01:08:47,800 Captain Anthony Stanzel, 202 01:08:48,240 --> 01:08:50,360 Mecklenberg County Sheriff's Office, 203 01:08:52,500 --> 01:08:54,000 Sergeant Anthony Scott 204 01:08:54,000 --> 01:08:57,760 Patrele, Charlotte Mecklenberg Police Department, 205 01:09:00,680 --> 01:09:06,540 Officer Jeffrey R. Shelton, Charlotte Mecklenberg Police Department, 206 01:09:08,480 --> 01:09:14,380 Officer Sean Robert Clark, Mecklenberg Police Department, 207 01:09:15,730 --> 01:09:23,990 Officer Fred A. Thornton, Charlotte McLean Bird, Police Department. Officer Mia 208 01:09:23,990 --> 01:09:27,550 Goodwin, Charlotte McLean Bird, Police Department. 209 01:09:29,810 --> 01:09:33,290 Officer Joshua Ayer, Charlotte 210 01:09:33,290 --> 01:09:34,770 McLean Bird, Police Department. 211 01:09:36,800 --> 01:09:41,940 Investigator William Alden Elliott, Northland Department 212 01:09:41,940 --> 01:09:47,920 of adult correction. Investigator Samuel Paloche, 213 01:09:48,900 --> 01:09:51,060 no-cline apartment of adult correction, 214 01:09:53,490 --> 01:09:58,070 Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks Jr. 215 01:09:59,530 --> 01:10:02,370 U.D. State's Marshal service. 216 01:10:04,870 --> 01:10:08,730 Disconcludes the 2026 Roe Call of Honor. 217 01:10:09,870 --> 01:10:10,370 Thank you. 218 01:10:45,960 --> 01:10:47,240 Panoropsis, please be seated. 219 01:10:52,180 --> 01:10:54,200 North Carolina State Senator Witson Bradley, 220 01:10:54,200 --> 01:10:59,480 is a democratic member of the North Carolina Senate representing District 42 here in 221 01:10:59,480 --> 01:11:05,180 Michael Brook County. She took office in January 2025 after narrowly winning one of the 222 01:11:05,180 --> 01:11:11,800 closest legislative races in North Carolina in 2024. Before entering politics, she built a 223 01:11:11,800 --> 01:11:16,120 career in real estate and small business, earning a degree in economics and business 224 01:11:16,120 --> 01:11:22,040 administration from Holland University and also studied environmental economics abroad at 225 01:11:22,040 --> 01:11:26,780 University of Sydney. She later became a Charlotte area realtor and founded Whitson Bradley 226 01:11:26,780 --> 01:11:32,200 Real Estate. She's heavily involved in community service and advocacy work throughout Charlotte. 227 01:11:32,960 --> 01:11:37,600 She's a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault and has used those experiences to 228 01:11:37,600 --> 01:11:43,040 advocate for victims and family. Her volunteer work has included involvement with safe alliance, 229 01:11:43,720 --> 01:11:48,580 the Mecklenburg County Domestic Violence Speaker's Bureau, Special Olympics and North Carolina, 230 01:11:48,580 --> 01:11:54,140 classroom central in the rotary club of Charlotte. Please tell me welcome Senator Bradley. 231 01:12:06,440 --> 01:12:12,280 Thank you so much for that kind introduction and thank you Chief Patterson for this opportunity and good morning. 232 01:12:13,240 --> 01:12:20,560 We gather today during national police week with heavy hearts but unwavering respect. 233 01:12:20,560 --> 01:12:28,860 This is a solemn occasion, a time for remembrance, reflection, a profound gratitude for the heroes 234 01:12:28,860 --> 01:12:34,260 who stood between order and chaos, between safety and danger. 235 01:12:35,360 --> 01:12:43,100 Each name etched on these memorials, each story shared, represents a life dedicated to service, 236 01:12:43,900 --> 01:12:48,420 a commitment to protecting others and courage that inspires us. 237 01:12:49,400 --> 01:12:56,120 Speaking with you today is such an honor and something that I will never forget. 238 01:12:57,260 --> 01:13:06,960 I'm also part of a law enforcement family. My father, my grandfather, my husband, their all officers. 239 01:13:08,080 --> 01:13:16,640 Raising my family and living in Charlotte and understanding the commitment that these individuals bring to all of our lives each and every day. 240 01:13:16,640 --> 01:13:22,820 That's what I represent in Raleigh, and it's what I keep top of mind every single day. 241 01:13:23,360 --> 01:13:26,600 And I'm thanking you sincerely for listening to my words. 242 01:13:27,760 --> 01:13:30,800 To the families of our fallen heroes who are here with us today, 243 01:13:31,580 --> 01:13:36,320 please know that your loved ones will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts 244 01:13:36,320 --> 01:13:38,540 and in the history of our community. 245 01:13:39,520 --> 01:13:41,160 We share in your grief, 246 01:13:41,160 --> 01:13:42,060 Now we stand, 247 01:13:46,190 --> 01:13:54,630 the pain and your losses in measure will, and the courage you have shown in the face of such profound sorrow is truly remarkable. 248 01:13:55,610 --> 01:14:01,510 We promise to never forget the sacrifice of your loved ones, and we will honor your memory on basis. 249 01:14:02,750 --> 01:14:09,310 To choose to put it under some more wisdom to really replace yourself and arms with. 250 01:14:09,310 --> 01:14:16,410 For the safety of strangers, that is a testament to the character and the courage of all that 251 01:14:16,410 --> 01:14:17,250 horse and officers. 252 01:14:18,590 --> 01:14:21,010 We often focus on the ultimate sacrifice. 253 01:14:21,930 --> 01:14:24,450 But we must also remember the daily sacrifices. 254 01:14:25,330 --> 01:14:31,410 The missed birthdays, the long shifts, the missed sporting events of your children. 255 01:14:33,580 --> 01:14:37,080 The constant vigilance required to keep Mecklenburg County safe. 256 01:14:37,080 --> 01:14:43,100 It's a calling that requires a very unique blend of strength and compassion. 257 01:14:44,520 --> 01:14:47,320 I am a domestic violence and violent crime survivor. 258 01:14:48,360 --> 01:14:57,480 The law enforcement team that saved me and my two young children will forever be the heroes of my story. 259 01:14:59,040 --> 01:14:59,980 Showing up to a K-O. 260 01:15:10,000 --> 01:15:29,080 All of the individuals who put themselves in danger, so that we can just continue to be. I lift up your stories and I share how important your work is every single day, and I thank you again with all of my heart. 261 01:15:30,740 --> 01:15:36,300 Our collective gratitude cannot end when this ceremony concludes in a few minutes. 262 01:15:37,060 --> 01:15:42,280 We must carry the legacy of the fallen and how we support those who will still wear 263 01:15:42,280 --> 01:15:44,980 the uniform today and tomorrow. 264 01:15:45,860 --> 01:15:52,540 Let us leave here today renewed in our commitment to one another, honoring the fallen by building 265 01:15:52,540 --> 01:15:56,180 the safe, just and peaceful community. 266 01:15:57,320 --> 01:15:59,420 It's what they gave their lives to protect. 267 01:15:59,420 --> 01:16:06,440 We owe it to them to ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain, and that their brothers and 268 01:16:06,440 --> 01:16:10,160 sisters and arms have the support they need to come home safely. 269 01:16:11,460 --> 01:16:12,280 To the fallen, 270 01:16:17,650 --> 01:16:18,050 we stick 271 01:16:20,770 --> 01:16:23,730 to these in Mecklenburg County here today. 272 01:16:24,450 --> 01:16:28,430 We respect you, and we are grateful for your service. 273 01:16:29,190 --> 01:16:35,450 May God bless the memories of our fallen heroes, and may He keep those who continue to serve 274 01:16:35,450 --> 01:16:38,030 in his care. Thank you so much. 275 01:16:49,860 --> 01:16:50,860 Thank you Senator Bradley. 276 01:16:52,300 --> 01:16:54,480 On behalf of the Charlotte Micro Police Department, 277 01:16:55,020 --> 01:16:56,260 the Hunter's Oak Police Department, 278 01:16:56,900 --> 01:16:58,200 the Matthew's Police Department, 279 01:16:58,940 --> 01:17:00,320 the Davidson Police Department, 280 01:17:00,980 --> 01:17:02,440 the Cornelius Police Department, 281 01:17:03,300 --> 01:17:04,720 the Pineville Police Department, 282 01:17:05,140 --> 01:17:07,060 and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. 283 01:17:07,820 --> 01:17:09,840 We would like to sincerely thank everyone 284 01:17:09,840 --> 01:17:12,420 for being here today and invite all attendees 285 01:17:12,420 --> 01:17:15,500 to join us for a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall, 286 01:17:15,500 --> 01:17:20,340 immediately following the conclusion of benediction and the ceremonial retrieval of colors. 287 01:17:21,140 --> 01:17:27,020 To reach the hall, exit the church and take a left. The benediction will be provided by Dr. Bishop 288 01:17:27,020 --> 01:17:32,200 Robert Maryweather as we take a final moment of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance together. 289 01:17:32,980 --> 01:17:38,160 Following the benediction, the honor guard will conduct the retrieval of colors formally bringing 290 01:17:38,160 --> 01:17:44,460 today's ceremony to a close. At this time, we ask everyone to please stand for the benediction 291 01:17:44,460 --> 01:17:45,760 and the retrieval of colors. 292 01:17:54,870 --> 01:17:58,630 To our most illustrious police chief of this great city, 293 01:17:58,750 --> 01:18:01,050 the Stella Patterson, thank you, we honor you. 294 01:18:01,370 --> 01:18:03,750 To every dignitary and law enforcement officer 295 01:18:03,750 --> 01:18:05,830 and age of the surrounding communities, 296 01:18:06,090 --> 01:18:07,990 thank you, we honor you for being present. 297 01:18:08,850 --> 01:18:12,010 Have recently been at the University of Precinct, 298 01:18:12,250 --> 01:18:15,750 viewing the press moral of Officer Mia Goatman, 299 01:18:16,110 --> 01:18:20,370 Mahart was touched and richly pulled by the sacrifice 300 01:18:20,370 --> 01:18:28,170 says a stood-in view, her beautiful picture, it reminded me of a sacrifice that is greater than 301 01:18:28,170 --> 01:18:34,290 one's self. We've been gathered here today on this note where the occasion has reflection of the 302 01:18:34,290 --> 01:18:39,550 many officers since the beginning of this beautiful agency that have given the ultimate sacrifice 303 01:18:39,550 --> 01:18:45,770 in their watch with their life. They didn't counter robbery to wear blue these brave men and women 304 01:18:45,770 --> 01:18:53,310 of this great, shawl of Macombur, police department, every individual who proudly takes the law enforcement 305 01:18:53,310 --> 01:19:00,310 oath of honor commits to a certain level of courage, honor, and sacrifice that's greater than their own 306 01:19:00,310 --> 01:19:07,970 selves, and as a local pastor, as I intently reflect on such commitment, I must admit that we can 307 01:19:07,970 --> 01:19:14,990 draw a great parallel between the service line of officers and the service line of Jesus Christ 308 01:19:14,990 --> 01:19:21,290 for Jesus, like our beloved officers, who we ordered on today, not only chose sacrifice 309 01:19:21,290 --> 01:19:27,670 over self, but public service over personal safety, and that kind of commitment alone 310 01:19:27,670 --> 01:19:30,390 calls for a courage, that's not common. 311 01:19:31,130 --> 01:19:33,650 I'll leave this with us before yielding the closing prayer. 312 01:19:34,450 --> 01:19:40,790 Our 32nd and longest serving president of this great union, Franklin, D. Roosevelt, is attributed 313 01:19:40,790 --> 01:19:47,590 to saying this about courage, courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment 314 01:19:47,590 --> 01:19:50,310 that something else is more important than fear. 315 01:19:50,970 --> 01:19:56,570 The officers who we honored on today, into their watch, light Jesus Christ himself with 316 01:19:56,570 --> 01:19:57,890 the sacrificial assessment. 317 01:19:58,550 --> 01:19:59,310 Let us pray. 318 01:20:00,070 --> 01:20:06,210 Now, Father, I thank you right now, as we gathered here today, I pray for prayers of comfort 319 01:20:06,830 --> 01:20:13,310 and request that a merciful God sued the pain and healed the broken hearts of families and colleagues. 320 01:20:14,390 --> 01:20:19,610 Lord, I pray for strength and acts for divine comfort and resilience for the friends and families 321 01:20:19,610 --> 01:20:27,510 and fellow officers during their morning. Lord, prayers of protection, I pray for the remaining officers, 322 01:20:28,370 --> 01:20:33,810 keep them, put a givers in a wall around them as they're still attending to their assignment. 323 01:20:33,810 --> 01:20:39,710 I pray they have a safe return home to their families and finally Lord and remembrance. 324 01:20:40,330 --> 01:20:52,870 I honor the memory of the fallen officers and express sincere kingdom gratitude for the service of these public servants in Jesus' name we pray, amen.