Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced on April 6 that the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police will join his office in hosting the annual Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony on April 14. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Chief of Police Estella Patterson will serve as guest speaker for this year’s event.
The ceremony is held to honor law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The event aims to recognize their service and sacrifice, as well as support their families and colleagues.
“This ceremony honors the lives and sacrifices of our fallen officers,” said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. “We owe them, and their families, our deepest gratitude for their service and sacrifice. I hope that our fellow North Carolinians will join us for this remembrance, and I thank the Fraternal Order of Police, the Justice Academy, the Greensboro Police Department, and North Carolina C.O.P.S. for their work to host this year’s ceremony.”
Chet Effler, President of the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, said: “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day is a sacred time for us to pause, reflect, and honor the courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to others. Each name we remember represents a story of sacrifice, commitment, and unwavering dedication to protecting our communities. As the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, we stand united with our state and local partners, as well as the families of the fallen, to ensure their legacy is never forgotten. We also call on our communities to stand with us, not just in remembrance, but in continued support of those who wear the badge today. Their service matters, their sacrifice matters, and their memory must endure.”
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Chief Estella D. Patterson added: “This day reminds us of the extraordinary courage shown by the men and women who gave their lives protecting our communities. We owe it to them—and to their families, colleagues and loved ones—to ensure that their service, their sacrifice and their commitment to justice are never forgotten. As we gather to remember these heroes, we also renew our promise to stand steadfast in our mission to safeguard and serve the people of North Carolina.”
Assistant Chief Milford Harris from Greensboro Police Department said: “Our department is honored to help host this ceremony and to stand in solidarity with our law enforcement partners and with the families, friends and colleagues of fallen officers. We are painfully aware of how deeply these losses are felt by their families and their respective agencies. We are especially grateful for our community’s support and ask that residents join us April 14 as we remember and honor our fallen colleagues.”
The names of all fallen law enforcement officers can be found through a list provided by the Department of Justice.
The North Carolina State Executive Attorney General acts as a state government entity authorized for legal matters on behalf of North Carolina according to its official website. The office provides services such as legal representation for state agencies in court cases—including criminal appeals—criminal prosecution support across all regions within North Carolina’s borders according to its official website. In addition,the office offers consumer protection services statewide.
