Bladen County remembers the ultimate sacrifice

ELIZABETHTOWN – The Bladen County Sheriff’s Department hosted a 2024 Peace Officer Memorial at the Bladen County Sheriff’s Department to honor the officers who were killed in the line of duty in Bladen County.

Those officers honored were Chief Roy Franklin Fores – EOW 9/3/67, Chief Marvin James Bell – EOW 9/3/1972, Deputy John Roger Stocks – EOW 10/28/1993, Police officer Brian Ramey – EOW 5/12/2001, Deputy James Brian Collins – EOW 9/26/2001, Deputy Dewayne Charles Hester – EOW 6/8/2012, Trooper Kevin Conner – EOW 10/17/2018 and James Ara Smith – EOW 1/6/2019.

A final tone was sounded for each officer in the ceremony during which time officers and family members put a rose on the Bladen County Memorial Wreath as a memorial for their friend, family and loved one who lost his life.

The celebrant for this year’s Peace Officer Memorial was the talented Bladen County journalist and owner of BladenOnline, Charlotte Smith.

“The history of National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day dates back to October 1, 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a resolution passed by Congress designating May 15 of each year as a day to honor fallen officers,” Smith said. “This proclamation also established National Police Week. This weeklong observance began on Sunday, May 12 and ends on May 18. In 1984 a memorial was erected in Washington D.C. to honor these courageous peace officers. Today the monument stands as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by the law enforcement officers nationwide.”

Bladen County Sheriff, James A. McVicker then addressed the crowd.

“It is our highest honor to host this event,” McVicker said. “And remember the eight men that paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the citizens of our great county of Bladen. Even though they are gone, these eight men laid a solid foundation that cannot be shaken. The bond between law enforcement and the Bladen County citizens is strong because of the sacrifice made by these fallen officers and continued hard work by our law enforcement officers today.”

McVicker went on to speak on behalf of the law enforcement teams of Bladen County with the greatest respect and utmost honor.

“When you see a deputy sheriff, a police officer or a state trooper carrying out their duties in Bladen County, these men and women are committed not just in professional public service, but a lifestyle of service and sacrifice that provides safety to the community for all.”

After Rev. Warren Hill who is the Sheriff’s Office Chaplain provided the invocation, a presentation of colors was brought forth by the Bladen County Honor guard. The national anthem was sung by Scott and Alyssa Bell, grandson and great granddaughter of fallen officer, Chief Marvin Bell.

Sheriff McVicker, Chief Parris, Chief Rouse, Chief Smith and 1st Sgt. Pait were then scheduled to bring forth the Memorial Wreath and to place it in front of the monument that bears the inscription, “In God We Trust” and bears the seal of Bladen County. The scripture at the bottom of the monument is from the book of John 15:13 and reads, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

The guest speaker for the ceremony, the Honorable C. Ashley Gore, Resident Superior Court Judge was introduced by Smith.

Gore got up and addressed the crowd with a story of her childhood in Whiteville and how it was a police officer, Andre Jackson that came to her aid in a time of need. She said that she never forgot it.

“Some of you may know officer Jackson with the Whiteville Police Department,” Gore said. “He has risen through the ranks at the Whiteville P.D., but I can tell you, to me, whether I see him in the grocery store, in the courtroom or if I pass him on the road, he is always Officer Jackson. Because that small, little interaction when he was just going about his daily life made an impact on me. It forged a friendship that I will have forever, both professionally and personally. You see, law enforcement officers serve a much greater purpose than simply fighting crime and keeping our streets safe. Yes, we are appreciate of their service, but they’re also role models for young people. They should set the standard for honesty, integrity and righteousness. Every day men and women get up and they put on their uniforms and they put on the badge. They also have to wear many hats in this day and time including peace officer, mediator, therapist and often, detective. As a judicial officer I hold law enforcement to a high standard and I appreciate their willingness to serve our communities with both courage and selflessness.”

Smith then addressed the crowd and pointed out the Missing Man Table and pointed out the articles that were found upon it.

After the recognition of the fallen officers, the playing of taps was done in the solemn of the moment followed by the song Amazing Grace by Piper Peter McArthur. A benediction was given by Pastor Jason Williams of Foundation Church and McVicker invited all those in attendance to have refreshments and to tour the sheriff’s office.

Mark DeLap is a journalist, photographer and the editor and general manager of the Bladen Journal. To email him, send a message to: mdelap@bladenjournal.com