ELIZABETHTOWN — The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office held a memorial for fallen officers Wednesday morning, giving recognition to both the fallen and their families.
Detention Officer James Smith and Trooper Kevin Conner were both recognized for their ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“We often forget to thank our good officers until something happens to have to force us to acknowledge exactly how important their gift of service is,” said Bobby Kinlaw.
“…. And with such a tragic event the rest of us sit up and take notice,” he said.
Kinlaw retired as the Elizabethtown Chief of Police in 2015, after 30 years, and became a magistrate.
“Part of what I have always heard is that I want to help people,” he said. “Our law enforcement officers are ambassadors of freedom, liberty and order.”
Families, other law enforcement agencies, local leaders and community members all came out in the sunny morning as part of the memorial ceremony.
“You guarantee our personal freedom and we don’t thank you enough,” he said. “But we can’t thank you enough.
“Today we honor all the true heroes who made the supreme sacrifice of their tomorrows so that we might live in today.”
The names were read in the ceremony and families recognized, with Sheriff Jim McVicker presenting the families with challenge coins and commemorative Bibles.
Smith died after going to the hospital, having suffered a stroke while he was on duty. The three inmates that were with him stayed with him to call emergency services.
“It has been so hard,” said his wife, Lonice Smith, of her husband’s passing in the early part of the year.
“It broke our hearts,” she said. “We had been married for 45 years, had three children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
“He did get a chance to spend a little time with the great-grandchild. We miss him so much. It’s hard every day, but I thank God for being there, and giving me the strength, because it is hard. I have to look at the good times.”
Conner, a master trooper and Bladenboro native, was killed in the line of duty Oct. 17 during a traffic stop in Columbus County. The graduate of the old Bladenboro High School was an 11-year veteran of the Highway Patrol and had made a home with his wife and family in the Williams Township area.
Also remembered were James Brian Collins, Dewayne Charles Hester, Marvin James Bell, Brian Joe Ramey, Roy Franklin Fores and James Ara Smith.
After the ceremony the public was invited to see the monument where two plaques had been placed for Smith and Conner.
Hats of the different groups were laid on a table in front of the tent were family members of those being remembered sat.
Sheriff Jim McVicker recognized the family of James Smith by presenting Smith’s wife, Lonice Smith, with a Bible and commemorative coin.
Bobby Kinlaw was the speaker during the memorial Wednesday morning at the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office.