Some seven years after the quick thinking of he and another state trooper saved the lives of two people in a car crash, a man in the vehicle Kevin Conner stopped for speeding pulled a trigger.
The gunshot last October ended his life. A wife and two children were left behind, and a puzzle of how to move forward began.
We can’t begin to comprehend or imagine the questions they have had since, or that they will encounter in years to come. We may never know what those two men in the truck Conner stopped were thinking that fall night in Columbus County. We do know that the change of life without a husband and father will create unique challenges for his family.
And we know people are helping.
Conner was a Bladenboro native. In the days after he died, more than once we heard those close to him remind the family that they would be in their thoughts and prayers. That remains so today, including here, and there is something tangible to grab onto as well. In fact, a couple of things.
On Oct. 9, Gov. Roy Cooper signed legislation championed by Republican Rep. Brenden Jones. Conner’s Law enhances the penalties for deadly assaults on law enforcement officers and increases the benefit paid to the family of a fallen officer.
The felony classification was increased, meaning jail time is required for anyone convicted under the state sentencing guidelines. And, it doubles the death benefit paid to the family.
The law is the only one named for a trooper killed in the line of duty.
On Friday, Conner’s family was presented a framed copy of the bill during a dedication ceremony in the Columbus County Courthouse. His widow, Miranda, accepted, with Kevin’s parents Kay and Glenn Conner also there. Col. Glenn McNeill, commander of the Highway Patrol, joined Jones in making the presentation.
On Saturday, a large turnout gathered in front of First Citizens Bank on West Columbus Street in Whiteville for a run in Conner’s honor. Friends say the occasion was what he would have wanted, a lot of people enjoying fellowship. Proceeds will help fund a scholarship.
“Thoughts and prayers” are often offered in times of tragedy, and cynical critics who wish for more action have been known to dismiss the sentiments. We think such critics error in trying to judge. For when a man or woman begins to think, or offers a prayer, there is no boundary for what may come back in return.
Kevin Conner and Scott Floyd saved two lives at a car crash in August 2011. Their act of bravery was doing the job for which they were trained, the one Kevin dreamed of having since he was 4.
We lost one of the good guys, but friends made a promise when he died. And a lot of good things keep coming from those thoughts and prayers.