[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.

Peace Officers Memorial Service - May 15, 2026

Transcript