Representatives from Macon and Jackson Counties, and the towns of Franklin and Highlands were joined by a crowd of supporters Friday who prayed for and paid homage to police officers who died while serving the community.
The memorial is a part of the annual Police Week which is observed each May, as a time of remembrance, gratitude, and reflection dedicated to officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
For communities like Franklin, Highlands and Macon County, Police Week is both a solemn remembrance of fallen officers and a chance to recognize the local deputies, police officers, troopers, and first responders who serve every day.
The event was blessed with a prayer from Danny Antoine, a county commissioner and chaplain.
“Bring comfort to the families whose hearts still carry grief, strength to fellow officers who continue to watch, and peace to all who mourn the loss of these heroes,” Antoine prayed. “May we never take for granted the freedoms and security purchased through the dedication of those who we honor today.”
Sheriff Brent Holbrooks opened the speaker portion of the event by welcoming the crowd to the solemn occasion that honored fallen officers and those currently serving.
Representing the Town of Franklin, Vice Mayor Mike Lewis said, “We support those who continue to serve, and we express our gratitude for the dedication, and courage shown by law enforcement officers every day.”
Blessed are the peacemakers
The keynote speaker was North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations Special Agent Lauren Crawford who gave a moving speech about being raised in a law enforcement family and the heartache that goes with friends and family killed in the line of duty.
“I know what life looks like in a Blue Line family as a daughter, a sister, and a spouse,” Crawford said.
Believing that every word of the Bible is true, she quoted Matthew 5:9, “‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.’ Law enforcement here today, each of you are peacemakers.”
There are several key aspects of a true peacemaker, said Crawford. “Unlike peacekeepers who may avoid conflict to maintain a superficial calm, peacemakers like you enter into conflict to find lasting solutions.”
She said they prioritize repairing relationships and building bridges using truth and grace. “Peacemakers combine firm beliefs with love and kindness.”
For officers the job isn’t about money, “There’s something inside of you that responded to that call, that you would volunteer to be one of those putting yourself in harm’s way for the greater good of this community.”
Tragically, too many men and women serving have died in the line of duty.
“It is crucial that we remember these officers who gave it their all,” she said. “The weight of the badge is heavy. Too heavy sometimes. Keep your compassion, not just for your community and your peers, but for yourself. Each of us has the hardest job, but you are so great at it.”
Honoring the fallen
Sheriff Doug Farmer, from neighboring Jackson County, was on hand with current students from the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) class at Southwest Community College. They honored Ryan Ferreira who died while a student.
“He had sacrificed a lot to get where he was, and he was getting an opportunity to live his dream,” Farmer said. His fellow cadets “will carry his memory throughout their careers and with the agencies they work for.”
The sheriff’s speech was followed by the lighting of a candle in honor of Cadet Ferreira. Performing the honor was Cadet Gabriel German-Zari who gave Ferreira CPR at the time of his accident.
After the candle lighting, Franklin Police Chief Devin Holland and Highlands Police Chief Sissy Holland read the names of North Carolina officers who died in the last year.
The names of those honored today:
- Lieutenant Justin Jones
- Officer Gabriel Stainback
- Officer Roger Smith
- Officer Philip Chiorino
- Master Trooper Jason Vindich
- Sergeant Kenneth “Hop” Hopkins
- Master Trooper Stien Davis, Jr.
- Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
- Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell
- Captain Adam David Beam
After each name was read, a bell chimed to recognize their “end of watch”.
Glen Morris and Margaret Tookey then played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.
Macon County Sheriff Deputies performed a 21-Gun Salute to honor the fallen.
Officers laid wreaths in front of the county courthouse.
After “Taps” was played by Alan Newton, the crowd closed out the event with prayer.
Editor’s Note: Thank you to all the law enforcement officers for your commitment to protecting our communities. Macon Sense honors you and your families.
