[This transcript was generated automatically from audio using AI and hasn't been reviewed by a person -- it can contain mistakes, including plausible-sounding sentences that were never actually said. Treat it as a starting point, not a verbatim record.]

[44:42] Father, we gather with humble hearts and solemn remembrance. We pose to honor the brave men and women of the Charlotte
[44:51] Neklenburg Police Department. Those who serve and answer the call to serve to protect and to stand
[44:59] courageously.
[45:00] In the face of danger. We remember those who may the ultimate sacrifice land down their lives in service to others.
[45:10] Lord, we thank you for their courage for their dedication and their unwavering commitment to justice, to peace and to the communities they serve.
[45:20] We ask that you surround their families, their loved ones, their fellow officers, and the
[45:28] entire community with your comfort, your strength, and your enduring peace.
[45:34] Great healing, what grief remains heavy, great courage to those who continue to watch.
[45:41] Great wisdom to all who wear the badge with honor, made the memory of these fallen heroes
[45:49] never fade. May their sacrifice remind us of the true cost of service and may we as a
[45:57] community continue to uphold the values of honor and integrity and unity for which they
[46:05] stood. Father, protect every officer serving today, guide their steps, shield their hearts,
[46:14] and let their presence be their refnutes, their strength, and their coverage.
[46:21] As we remember those, we have lost, may we find hope and knowing that their legacy lives
[46:28] on in this department, in this city, and in the countless lives that they touch, in your
[46:35] holy name we pray, amen.
[46:46] Please be seated.
[46:47] This
[46:51] time I'd like to welcome Charlotte McIverk Police Department Chief Estella Patterson.
[47:05] Good morning.
[47:06] On behalf of the Charlotte McIverk Police Department, I'd like to extend a warm welcome
[47:10] to everyone joining us today, both in person and online.
[47:14] As we celebrate the lives and memories of our fallen brothers and sisters,
[47:19] this week is National Police Week across the nation and we are all remaining steadfast
[47:24] in our promise that we will never forget the courage,
[47:27] the service, nor the unwavering commitment,
[47:30] these men and women gave to the Charlotte Mackinburg police
[47:33] department.
[47:34] In the words of President John F. Kennedy,
[47:37] as we express gratitude, we must never forget
[47:40] that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words
[47:44] of their service, but to live by them.
[47:47] Their legacy demands that we do exactly that.
[47:51] We are so honored today to have our many partners, leaders, and neighbors standing alongside
[47:56] us.
[47:57] I would like to take a moment to recognize some of our esteemed guests.
[48:01] The Honorable North Carolina Senator would send Bradley.
[48:05] We have representative Caroline Logan, council member, the one in Mayfield.
[48:10] U.S. Attorney of the Western District of North Carolina, Russ Ferguson, McWemburg County
[48:16] District Attorney Spencer Merriweather and Dr. Bishop Robert Merriweather of
[48:22] Arc Ministries Incorporated and also to we have our FBI special agent and
[48:27] charge Redaibis. I want to thank each of you for being here for your
[48:30] presence and for your strong support of our law enforcement family. I'd also
[48:36] like to acknowledge our partners from neighboring agencies who are joining us
[48:39] today from the town of Pineville, Chief of Police, Michael Hudgen,
[48:44] Hudgeon, Town of Matthew, Chief of Police, James Avens, Town of Mittenhill, Chief of Police, Joseph Hattley,
[48:52] Town of Davidson, Chief of Police, Philip Geiger, Town of Huntersville, Chief of Police, Brian Fawn,
[48:59] Town of Cornelius, Chief, Chief, David Bachum, UNCC Chief, Jeff Baker, Mechmanberg County,
[49:08] Sheriff, Gary McFadden, and I'd also like to welcome any other leaders from our state and federal
[49:12] partners, and also like to acknowledge our respective executive and command staffs and every officer
[49:18] that is here today both active and retired.
[49:22] To all of our law enforcement professionals, your presence here today speaks volumes about
[49:27] the unity of this profession.
[49:30] There may be different uniforms here in this building, but we share one mission and one heart.
[49:36] Although we gather every year for this memorial service, the weight of the moment never diminishes.
[49:41] This is my first ceremonial ceremony here as a chief of police.
[49:46] And as I stand here and I look into the sea of blue and green and gray and tan.
[49:52] And the many faces of our community, my desire to serve this community is reaffirmed.
[49:58] And while I am humbled and honored to serve the city of Charlotte,
[50:02] it is an even greater honor to stand among the families, friends and colleagues of the heroes we gather today to remember.
[50:11] to the families of our fallen, while today is a formal ceremony that marks one specific day on the calendar,
[50:19] we know for you every single day is a day of remembrance.
[50:25] Please know that you do not carry that weight alone.
[50:29] We are in this together and we are here for you.
[50:32] Your loved ones are not just names on a wall or a list and a program.
[50:36] They remain the very best that we have.
[50:42] Today, we just don't honor their sacrifice.
[50:44] We honor their incredible selfless life that they lived.
[50:48] And as we begin today's ceremony today,
[50:51] let us all recommit ourselves to the values they live by,
[50:55] service, integrity, and unwavering dedication to this profession.
[51:01] We will never forget their names, and we will never forget their sacrifices.
[51:05] Again, thank you for being here and welcome to today's service.
[51:19] Thank you, Chief.
[51:21] Please welcome Cornelius, Police Department, Chaplain, Paul, Trabetsky.
[51:26] We'll provide a scripture reading followed by seeing PD Officer Kelvin Moore.
[51:30] We'll sing a beautiful selection called Hold Me Now by Kirk Franklin.
[51:41] Thank you, Chief Panterson, for those kind words to welcome everyone here today.
[51:45] Well, as we gather here this morning is a place where gratitude and grief meet.
[51:50] We gather not only because duty calls us here, but because love does.
[51:56] We gather to bear witness to lives that were lived with courage, to service that was given
[52:02] without hesitation, and to sacrifice that cannot be measured.
[52:07] There are names we will hear today, some recently added, others long and grave in memory.
[52:13] But none of them are just names.
[52:17] Each one represents a life poured out in protection of others.
[52:21] Each one represents a promise kept.
[52:24] In the gospel of John Jesus said,
[52:26] Greater love has no one than this.
[52:29] To lay down one's life for one's friends.
[52:33] Those words are not spoken lightly.
[52:35] You describe the highest form of love.
[52:38] Every officer we remember today,
[52:41] stepped into uncertainty so that others might live.
[52:43] in the safety. They ran toward danger when others ran away. They stood in the gap between chaos
[52:50] and calm. That kind of courage leaves a mark, not only on a community, but on eternity. But
[52:57] today is not only about valor. It's also about the families, both blood and badge. It's about
[53:04] the spouses who carry memories and quiet rooms. It's about the children who grow up holding
[53:09] stories instead of hands. The partners who still glance toward an empty sea, the squads who
[53:17] feel absence and roll call. The Psalmist writes to us in Psalm 34 verse 18, the Lord is close
[53:26] to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. God does not observe your
[53:33] sorrow from a distance. He draws near to it. He sees the silent tears. He hears the late night
[53:39] prayers and limits. He understands the strength it takes to show up, to stand tall, and to
[53:45] keep moving forward. I know you all know this truth that grief does not follow a schedule.
[53:52] It arrives unexpectedly. It lingers longer than we think it will. It changes shape over time.
[54:00] And yet, even in grief, there is something else present. And what is present is legacy.
[54:06] The legacy and character of these officers' lives lives on in the integrity they model and the
[54:13] courage they displayed in the oath they honored.
[54:16] An example they set for the next generation, the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy these words,
[54:23] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith, those words
[54:29] echo today.
[54:31] These officers, they fought the good fight, they finished their race, they kept the faith.
[54:38] And to those who continue to serve today, your presence here matters, your calling matters,
[54:44] the bad you wear is more than metal.
[54:46] It's a symbol of restraint and a restless world.
[54:50] It's a symbol of order in moments of confusion.
[54:53] It's a symbol of protection for the vulnerable.
[54:55] Micah 68 reminds us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
[55:05] That calling describes the best of law enforcement, justice without cruelty, authority without arrogance and strength guided by humility.
[55:16] So today we remember the fallen, but we also reaffirm the calling.
[55:22] We honor sacrifice, but we also strengthen resolve, and we place all of it our sorrow, our
[55:30] gratitude, our questions, our memories into the hands of a faithful God.
[55:35] Revelation 21-4 gives us a promise.
[55:37] He will wipe every tear from their eyes, there will be no more death or mourning or crying
[55:42] or pain.
[55:44] That promise does not erase today's ache though, but it does assure us that this is not
[55:49] the final chapter.
[55:50] So when we leave this place today, may we carry three quiet commitments in our hearts, first,
[55:57] to remember with gratitude, secondly, to support with compassion and lastly to serve with
[56:04] integrity, and may the God who sees every sacrifice who counts every tear and who honors
[56:10] every act of courage hold each of you steady.
[56:13] to the families. You are not forgotten. To the officers, your service is not unnoticed
[56:20] and to the fallen. Your lives are not in vain and closing. May God grant strength
[56:26] where it is needed. Comfort where it is long for. And courage for the days ahead. Amen
[56:32] and amen.
[1:03:05] 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.
[1:03:13] The family of Sergeant Lewis Robinson,
[1:03:20] the family of Officer Mark Swaney,
[1:03:24] the family of Officer Sean Clark,
[1:03:30] the family of Sergeant Scott Futrell,
[1:03:34] and the family of Officer Joshua Eyer.
[1:03:40] Thank you for being here.
[1:03:42] Matthew's police chief James Avens will now read the role call of honor.
[1:03:46] Chief Avens.
[1:04:10] I want to take a moment to personally think Chief Patterson.
[1:04:14] The Charlotte Mecklenburg police department and the families of the distinct honor of calling the names for the twenty twenty six.
[1:04:22] roll call of honor.
[1:04:34] I share John Cooke,
[1:04:37] MacConburg County Sheriff's Office,
[1:04:42] Officer James Morin,
[1:04:45] Charlotte Police Department,
[1:04:50] Officer James H. Brown,
[1:04:52] Charlotte Police Department,
[1:04:57] Officer Samson, E. Co.
[1:04:59] Charlotte Police Department,
[1:05:03] Special Officer J. Robert Estrich,
[1:05:07] Charlotte Police Department,
[1:05:11] Officer John Fasperman, Charlotte Police Department,
[1:05:18] Chief of
[1:05:19] Detectives, Joe Orr, Charlotte Police Department,
[1:05:25] Detective John N. Buyers, Charlotte Police
[1:05:29] Department,
[1:05:32] Officer Robert M. Reed, Charlotte Police Department,
[1:05:39] Officer H. Agar Correl,
[1:05:41] Charlotte Police Department. Officer William S. Rogers,
[1:05:49] Methamber County Police Department,
[1:05:54] Thomas H.
[1:05:55] Pinkens, Charlotte Police Department,
[1:06:01] Officer Benjamin H.
[1:06:03] Frye, Charlotte Police Department,
[1:06:08] Officer Charles P.
[1:06:10] Nicholas Shawler, Police Department,
[1:06:16] Officer Rufus L. Bigger,
[1:06:20] Mackenberg County Police Department,
[1:06:24] Chief John Albert Rape,
[1:06:28] Honestville Police Department, Detective Shawl's H. Baker,
[1:06:35] Shawler, Police Department, Officer Raph A. White,
[1:06:40] Cornelius Police Department, Officer Johnny Reed, Ennis, Charlotte Police Department,
[1:06:52] Officer
[1:06:53] Paul Reed, Mecklenburg County Police Department, Sergeant Louis E. Robinson, Mecklenburg
[1:07:04] California Police Department,
[1:07:08] Officer Ronnie E. McGraw, Meckonburg County Police Department,
[1:07:16] Special Agent Gregory W. Spanelli, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Officer Edmund
[1:07:25] Ian Cannon, Charlotte Police Department,
[1:07:32] Officer Ernest Coleman, Charlotte Police Department,
[1:07:37] Deputy Sheriff Edmund V. Thomas Junier,
[1:07:42] Mithamberg County Sheriff's Office,
[1:07:46] Officer Tommy Correction Timothy W. Wintington,
[1:07:51] Charlotte Police Department, Officer Robert L. Smith,
[1:07:57] Charlotte Police Department,
[1:08:01] Officer M. Terry Lahouse,
[1:08:04] Charlotte Police Department,
[1:08:09] Officer Eugene A. Griffin,
[1:08:11] Charlotte Police Department. Officer Andy A. Nobles. Charlotte.
[1:08:19] Mecklenburg Police Department.
[1:08:23] Officer John T. Burnett.
[1:08:26] Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.
[1:08:30] Officer Jackie Daniel.
[1:08:33] North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.
[1:08:38] Officer Mark A.
[1:08:39] Soining, Davidson,
[1:08:45] Captain Anthony Stanzel,
[1:08:48] Mecklenberg County Sheriff's Office,
[1:08:52] Sergeant Anthony Scott
[1:08:54] Patrele, Charlotte Mecklenberg Police Department,
[1:09:00] Officer Jeffrey R. Shelton, Charlotte Mecklenberg Police Department,
[1:09:08] Officer Sean Robert Clark, Mecklenberg Police Department,
[1:09:15] Officer Fred A. Thornton, Charlotte McLean Bird, Police Department. Officer Mia
[1:09:23] Goodwin, Charlotte McLean Bird, Police Department.
[1:09:29] Officer Joshua Ayer, Charlotte
[1:09:33] McLean Bird, Police Department.
[1:09:36] Investigator William Alden Elliott, Northland Department
[1:09:41] of adult correction. Investigator Samuel Paloche,
[1:09:48] no-cline apartment of adult correction,
[1:09:53] Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks Jr.
[1:09:59] U.D. State's Marshal service.
[1:10:04] Disconcludes the 2026 Roe Call of Honor.
[1:10:09] Thank you.
[1:10:45] Panoropsis, please be seated.
[1:10:52] North Carolina State Senator Witson Bradley,
[1:10:54] is a democratic member of the North Carolina Senate representing District 42 here in
[1:10:59] Michael Brook County. She took office in January 2025 after narrowly winning one of the
[1:11:05] closest legislative races in North Carolina in 2024. Before entering politics, she built a
[1:11:11] career in real estate and small business, earning a degree in economics and business
[1:11:16] administration from Holland University and also studied environmental economics abroad at
[1:11:22] University of Sydney. She later became a Charlotte area realtor and founded Whitson Bradley
[1:11:26] Real Estate. She's heavily involved in community service and advocacy work throughout Charlotte.
[1:11:32] She's a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault and has used those experiences to
[1:11:37] advocate for victims and family. Her volunteer work has included involvement with safe alliance,
[1:11:43] the Mecklenburg County Domestic Violence Speaker's Bureau, Special Olympics and North Carolina,
[1:11:48] classroom central in the rotary club of Charlotte. Please tell me welcome Senator Bradley.
[1:12:06] Thank you so much for that kind introduction and thank you Chief Patterson for this opportunity and good morning.
[1:12:13] We gather today during national police week with heavy hearts but unwavering respect.
[1:12:20] This is a solemn occasion, a time for remembrance, reflection, a profound gratitude for the heroes
[1:12:28] who stood between order and chaos, between safety and danger.
[1:12:35] Each name etched on these memorials, each story shared, represents a life dedicated to service,
[1:12:43] a commitment to protecting others and courage that inspires us.
[1:12:49] Speaking with you today is such an honor and something that I will never forget.
[1:12:57] I'm also part of a law enforcement family. My father, my grandfather, my husband, their all officers.
[1:13:08] Raising my family and living in Charlotte and understanding the commitment that these individuals bring to all of our lives each and every day.
[1:13:16] That's what I represent in Raleigh, and it's what I keep top of mind every single day.
[1:13:23] And I'm thanking you sincerely for listening to my words.
[1:13:27] To the families of our fallen heroes who are here with us today,
[1:13:31] please know that your loved ones will forever hold a cherished place in our hearts
[1:13:36] and in the history of our community.
[1:13:39] We share in your grief,
[1:13:41] Now we stand,
[1:13:46] the pain and your losses in measure will, and the courage you have shown in the face of such profound sorrow is truly remarkable.
[1:13:55] We promise to never forget the sacrifice of your loved ones, and we will honor your memory on basis.
[1:14:02] To choose to put it under some more wisdom to really replace yourself and arms with.
[1:14:09] For the safety of strangers, that is a testament to the character and the courage of all that
[1:14:16] horse and officers.
[1:14:18] We often focus on the ultimate sacrifice.
[1:14:21] But we must also remember the daily sacrifices.
[1:14:25] The missed birthdays, the long shifts, the missed sporting events of your children.
[1:14:33] The constant vigilance required to keep Mecklenburg County safe.
[1:14:37] It's a calling that requires a very unique blend of strength and compassion.
[1:14:44] I am a domestic violence and violent crime survivor.
[1:14:48] The law enforcement team that saved me and my two young children will forever be the heroes of my story.
[1:14:59] Showing up to a K-O.
[1:15:10] 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.
[1:15:30] Our collective gratitude cannot end when this ceremony concludes in a few minutes.
[1:15:37] We must carry the legacy of the fallen and how we support those who will still wear
[1:15:42] the uniform today and tomorrow.
[1:15:45] Let us leave here today renewed in our commitment to one another, honoring the fallen by building
[1:15:52] the safe, just and peaceful community.
[1:15:57] It's what they gave their lives to protect.
[1:15:59] We owe it to them to ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain, and that their brothers and
[1:16:06] sisters and arms have the support they need to come home safely.
[1:16:11] To the fallen,
[1:16:17] we stick
[1:16:20] to these in Mecklenburg County here today.
[1:16:24] We respect you, and we are grateful for your service.
[1:16:29] May God bless the memories of our fallen heroes, and may He keep those who continue to serve
[1:16:35] in his care. Thank you so much.
[1:16:49] Thank you Senator Bradley.
[1:16:52] On behalf of the Charlotte Micro Police Department,
[1:16:55] the Hunter's Oak Police Department,
[1:16:56] the Matthew's Police Department,
[1:16:58] the Davidson Police Department,
[1:17:00] the Cornelius Police Department,
[1:17:03] the Pineville Police Department,
[1:17:05] and the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.
[1:17:07] We would like to sincerely thank everyone
[1:17:09] for being here today and invite all attendees
[1:17:12] to join us for a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall,
[1:17:15] immediately following the conclusion of benediction and the ceremonial retrieval of colors.
[1:17:21] To reach the hall, exit the church and take a left. The benediction will be provided by Dr. Bishop
[1:17:27] Robert Maryweather as we take a final moment of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance together.
[1:17:32] Following the benediction, the honor guard will conduct the retrieval of colors formally bringing
[1:17:38] today's ceremony to a close. At this time, we ask everyone to please stand for the benediction
[1:17:44] and the retrieval of colors.
[1:17:54] To our most illustrious police chief of this great city,
[1:17:58] the Stella Patterson, thank you, we honor you.
[1:18:01] To every dignitary and law enforcement officer
[1:18:03] and age of the surrounding communities,
[1:18:06] thank you, we honor you for being present.
[1:18:08] Have recently been at the University of Precinct,
[1:18:12] viewing the press moral of Officer Mia Goatman,
[1:18:16] Mahart was touched and richly pulled by the sacrifice
[1:18:20] says a stood-in view, her beautiful picture, it reminded me of a sacrifice that is greater than
[1:18:28] one's self. We've been gathered here today on this note where the occasion has reflection of the
[1:18:34] many officers since the beginning of this beautiful agency that have given the ultimate sacrifice
[1:18:39] in their watch with their life. They didn't counter robbery to wear blue these brave men and women
[1:18:45] of this great, shawl of Macombur, police department, every individual who proudly takes the law enforcement
[1:18:53] oath of honor commits to a certain level of courage, honor, and sacrifice that's greater than their own
[1:19:00] selves, and as a local pastor, as I intently reflect on such commitment, I must admit that we can
[1:19:07] draw a great parallel between the service line of officers and the service line of Jesus Christ
[1:19:14] for Jesus, like our beloved officers, who we ordered on today, not only chose sacrifice
[1:19:21] over self, but public service over personal safety, and that kind of commitment alone
[1:19:27] calls for a courage, that's not common.
[1:19:31] I'll leave this with us before yielding the closing prayer.
[1:19:34] Our 32nd and longest serving president of this great union, Franklin, D. Roosevelt, is attributed
[1:19:40] to saying this about courage, courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment
[1:19:47] that something else is more important than fear.
[1:19:50] The officers who we honored on today, into their watch, light Jesus Christ himself with
[1:19:56] the sacrificial assessment.
[1:19:58] Let us pray.
[1:20:00] Now, Father, I thank you right now, as we gathered here today, I pray for prayers of comfort
[1:20:06] and request that a merciful God sued the pain and healed the broken hearts of families and colleagues.
[1:20:14] Lord, I pray for strength and acts for divine comfort and resilience for the friends and families
[1:20:19] and fellow officers during their morning. Lord, prayers of protection, I pray for the remaining officers,
[1:20:28] keep them, put a givers in a wall around them as they're still attending to their assignment.
[1:20:33] I pray they have a safe return home to their families and finally Lord and remembrance.
[1:20:40] 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.