Gaston County honors fallen officers for National Police Week

Janiya Winchester, The Gaston Gazette
·3 min read
Many attended an event for National Peace Officers Week held Thursday, May 19, 2022, at the Holy Communion Church on West Church Street in Dallas.
Many attended an event for National Peace Officers Week held Thursday, May 19, 2022, at the Holy Communion Church on West Church Street in Dallas.

The number of officers that died last year in the line of duty reached a record high, according to the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund.

More than 55 Gaston County officers gathered at the Holy Communion Lutheran Church in Dallas Thursday morning to honor fallen officers during the National Police Week.

“This profession can be difficult compared to others but the good times outweigh the bad when you can do something for others,” said Maj. Robert Porter of the Gaston County Sheriff’s office.

President John F. Kennedy established May 15 as the National Peace Officers Memorial Day in 1962 and proclaimed the week of May 15 as National Police Week.

Law enforcement officers gather on this day to recognize their brothers and sisters in law enforcement who have fallen in the line of duty, Porter says.

Sheriff Alan Cloninger speaks during an event for National Peace Officers Week held Thursday, May 19, 2022, at the Holy Communion Church on West Church Street in Dallas.
Sheriff Alan Cloninger speaks during an event for National Peace Officers Week held Thursday, May 19, 2022, at the Holy Communion Church on West Church Street in Dallas.

The service was led by Gaston County Sheriff Alan Cloninger, beginning at 10 a.m. with a processional of the county’s chief police officers, presentation of colors by the Gaston County Police Honor Guard, the singing of “God Bless America” by Chris Murphey and a presentation of the wreath honoring fallen officers.

The service also included an honor roll call where Cherryville Police Chief Cam Jenks read aloud the names of local fallen officers and the Rev. Dennis Boyce spoke as a guest speaker.

Police data:  'This is not an opioid crisis. It's an overdose crisis': Gaston County sees high number of opiate overdoses

A wreath-laying ceremony was also held at the Gaston Memorial Park after the ceremony at the church.

“I appreciate everyone coming for this day of celebration for those that gave to the community to ensure our safety and freedom,” said Cloninger. “They are all heroes but they are also someone’s family.”

Boyce, who serves as a chaplain for the Gastonia Police Department, reminded the audience that he sees the heavy burdens officers bare.

“Thirteen years ago, when I joined Gastonia Police Department as a chaplain, I used to do a ride-along for a few hours if it were relatively convenient for my schedule,” said Boyce. “They would always make me feel so heavy and you all are doing this day in and day out.”

“It is difficult, yet you remain,” Boyce added. “I’m so proud of this county that we always take this moment together to remember those that sacrificed to rescue their towns.”

In 2021, 458 law enforcement officers nationwide died in the line of duty, according to reports from the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund.

Most of the deaths were COVID-related.

COVID-19 updates:  Gaston County's COVID-19 cases up 44%; North Carolina cases surge 31.3%

There were 84 offices who died from felony assaults which included 61 officers killed by firearms.

“I’m sure everyone here would say these gatherings are close to heart because our brothers and sisters have fallen,” said Porter. “It’s important that we come together as officers to support each other.”

Here is a list of local officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty:

  • 1926: Chief Albert L. Painter, Cherryville Police Department

  • 1929: Chief Orville F. Aderholt, Gastonia Police Department

  • 1935: Officer John H. Smith, Gastonia Police Department

  • 1937: Deputy W. Aaron Dameron, Gaston County Sheriff's Office

  • 1941: Officer S.C. McKenzie, Gastonia Police Department

  • 1944: Officer Bryant K. Birt and Officer Charlie V. Murphy, Gastonia Police Department

  • 1948: Officer James E. English, Gastonia Police Department and Officer Lloyd M. Parton, Bessemer City Police Department

  • 1968: Trooper Cecil Hoffman, N.C. Highway Patrol

  • 1972: Officer Michael P. Jenkins, Bessemer City Police Department

  • 1979: Officer Randy M. Pendleton, Gastonia Police Department

  • 1985: Officer Johnny W. Wagner, Ranlo Police Department

  • 1990: Officer M. Terry Lyles, (Gaston County native) Charlotte Police Department

  • 1993: Officer Ronald H. Davis, Belmont Abbey Police Department

  • 2001: Officer John Baker, Gastonia Police Department

  • 2005: Captain Byron D. Carpenter, Belmont Police Department

  • 2018: Corporal Travis Wells, Dallas Police Department

  • 2020: Officer Tyler A. Herndon, Mount Holly Police Department

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gaston County Police honor fallen officers for National Police Week