Fire News North Carolina, June/July 2024

Fire News photo by Noah Pressler

Cashiers Club Blaze

FFs handle a structure fire in the clubhouse of Trillium Golf and Lake Club in Cashiers.

See story on page 8

2 Alarms, 2 Houses in Raleigh

Crews arrive to two houses on fire, with the primary building heavily involved.

See story on page 10

Hard Landing at Raleigh-Durham

Pilot and passenger transported to area hospitals and later reported to be in fair and good condition..

See story on page 12

Mooresville Head-on MVA

Several injured in an MVAat the intersection of Pert Road and Byers Commons Drive.

See story on page 14

8th Sheltra Memorial Run

On April 20, 2024, the Pineville Fire Department held the 8th Annual Richard Sheltra Memorial Run.

See story on page 24

Remembering the Fallen

Remembering the LODDs of Marshal Thomas Weeks, Jr.; William Alden Elliott; Joshua Eyer; and Samuel Poloche.

See story on page 30

pages 15,18 to 21

page 26

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2-Alarmerin Ballantyne

On April 20, 2024, at 0116, the Charlotte Fire Department received a 911 call reporting a huge house fire in the area of Elm Lane and Ballantyne Trace Court. Engine 32 C Shift arrived and found a large two-story brick home on Stonepath Lane with fire through the roof. Underthe command of Battalion Chief Trina Davies, firefighters began an interiorattack with Ladder32 putting its aerial in operation. Due to heavy fire conditions and instability, 12 minutes into the operation, firefighters were pulled from the structure and an exteriorfire attack was setup. Firefighters deployed multiple handlines and used mercury nozzle monitors to extinguish the blaze. Firefighters worked for about an hourto bring the fire undercontrol. Charlotte Fire investigators determined the fire had started around a rearsun porch and quickly spread.

- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Family Displaced in Troutman

On April 16, 2024, at 1022, the Troutman, Wayside and Shepherds fire departments were alerted fora structure fire on Winford Road in Troutman. Arriving units were met with heavy smoke and fire coming from the single-story structure. Crews stretched one hoseline and made an aggressive interiorattack on the fire quickly knocking it down and keeping it from spreading. South Iredell was called to the scene with theirairvan and Iredell County EMS also responded. The structure sustained heavy damage and the Red Cross was called to assist the family. No injuries were reported, and the cause is underinvestigation.

-Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Pittsboro House Fire

On January 24, 2024, Silerpersonnel were dispatched, along with Silk Hope and Pittsboro, to a house on Hadley Mill Road. Engine 912 made the 11-mile trek with fourpersonnel, Truck 9 responded shortly afterEngine 912 with two. Pittsboro Engine 1 arrived and reported heavy fire showing from the first floorand rearof the home. Pittsboro Engine 1 personnel began an aggressive fire attack. SilerEngine 912 arrived behind Silk Hope Engine 716 and went to work on ventilation. Personnel quickly gained access to the roof on the front of the home via ground ladders and completed theirassignment. As Pittsboro Engine 1 crew were coming out of the house to replenish airbottles, Silerpersonnel along with Silk Hope personnel entered the house to continue the fire attack. Since this was a non-hydrant area, additional tankers were requested from Goldston and North Chatham.

- Submitted by Scott J. Murphy, Chief, Siler City FD

CarFire on I-77

On May 13, 2024, at 1028, Mooresville Ladder5 and Troutman Engine 2 responded to multiple phone alarms that a vehicle being towed by a camperwas on fire. The camperstopped on Interstate 77 northbound just before Rankin Hill Road and the driverwas able to disconnect the burning vehicle. Mooresville Ladder5 stretched one hoseline and extinguished the fire. Traffic was stopped while crews operated at the scene backing up northbound traffic formiles. No injuries were reported

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Brush Fire on Steep Terrain

Concord firefighters operated at a large brush fire on steep terrain, that had structures threatened upon arrival. Crews had assistance from the NC Forest Service.

- Fire News photos by Noah Pressler

Charlotte House Fire on Oren Thompson Road

On March 30, 2024, at 1728, the Charlotte and Harrisburg fire departments were dispatched to a report of a house fire in the Faires Farm Community of northeast Charlotte. Battalion Chief 2 assumed command and the fire was controlled in approximately 40 minutes. There were no reported injuries to eithercivilians orfirefighters. The resident was home at the time but was able to escape the house, and crews did rescue two cats. Investigators determined the cause to be accidental, with the fire starting in the garage and spreading to the attic of the house.

- Fire News photo by William GKennedy, WGK Public Safety Images

Shepherds Handles Colt Avenue Fire

On April 10, 2024, at 1158, Shepherds Fire Rescue responded to a report of a vehicle fire on Colt Lane. Shepherds Engine 1 stretched a line to the burning pickup. Crews quickly extinguished the fire.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Cashiers Golf & Lake Club Blaze

Firefighters operated at a structure fire in the clubhouse of Trillium Golf and Lake Club in Cashiers. Nobody was injured and crews were able to save 50 percent of the clubhouse.

- Fire News photo by Noah Pressler

Structure Heavily Damaged

On March 8, 2024, at 0900, the West Iredell VolunteerFire Department, along with the Monticello, Troutman, Stony Point, Central, Statesville and Catawba, were alerted fora structure fire on Hickory HollarDrive. While units were responding, additional phone alarms were coming into ECOM about a fully involved structure. The fire was brought under control in about an hourand the structure was heavily damaged. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation. Units from Iredell County EMS, Rescue Squad, Office of Emergency Management and the Fire Marshal's Office also responded to the scene. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Smoke & Vape Shop Fire in Cary

On the evening of March 11, 2024, the Cary Fire Department responded, along with Swift Creek and Apex fire departments to a commercial building fire on Meeting Street. Upon arrival, crews had smoke pushing from a single-story commercial strip mall. The fire was located in a smoke and vape shop and was quickly located and extinguished. - Fire News photo by Chris Creighton

Structure Destroyed in Western Iredell Co.

On May 2, 2024, at 2311, Troutman, Monticello and West Iredell were alerted fora structure fire on Shalom Place. Arriving units were met with a fully involved structure. Multiple hoselines were put into operation and crews stopped the fire from spreading to anotherstructure. The Central Fire Department’s AirVan was called to fill empty air bottles. The structure was destroyed in the fire and the cause was underinvestigation.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

2 Alarms at 2 Houses in Raleigh

Two alarms were struck in Raleigh on March 21, 2024, at a residential structure fire in the 2100 block of Karns Plance. Auto-aid unit Wake Forest Engine 5 was first arriving and reported two houses on fire, with the primary building heavily involved. Crews made interiorattacks but, within five minutes of arrival, a second alarm was requested. Defensive operations were soon started. Three aerial streams were deployed, two during suppression and one during overhaul. Three hydrants supplied the operation. The fire was dispatched at 0302. and controlled at 0429.

- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros

Charlotte Kitchen Fire on Earthenware Drive

On March 24, 2024, at 1437, units from the Charlotte Fire Department were dispatched to a possible oven fire on Earthenware Drive in Engine 22’s first-due area. The original callerthen reported the fire was spreading to the cabinets, so CFD Dispatch upgraded the call to a full structure fire box, adding an additional engine and laddercompany, along with Safety 1. Engine 28 arrived on the scene and reported smoke showing and declared the working fire. Engine 28 initiated the fire attack, with Engine 36 assisting with the watersupply, Engine 22 conducting a primary search and Ladder27 assigned to ventilation. Battalion Chief 2 assumed command. The incident was controlled in under15 minutes.

- Fire News photo by William GKennedy, WGK Public Safety Images

Barn Fire on Memorial Hwy.

On March 19, 2024, at 2118, the Harmony Fire Department was alerted fora barn fire on Memorial Highway. The structure was fully involved upon arrival, with strong winds fanning the flames. Multiple mutual aid was called from neighboring departments. The structure was destroyed, but crews saved adjoining ones.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Dog Dies in CamperFire

The Wayside VolunteerFire Department responded on May 5, 2024, at 1254, to a report of a camper on fire behind a home on FairWind Lane. Crews stretched a line to the rearof the structure and extinguished the fully involved camper. Troutman Fire Rescue also responded with an engine. The cause was underinvestigation and, unfortunately, a dog perished in the fire.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Two Injured in Hard Landing at RDU Airport

On April 24, 2024, a single-engine Socata TBM-700 aircraft crashed while landing at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Two people were aboard. The airport’s crash-fire-rescue department responded, along with mutual aid units including Raleigh Fire, Durham Highway Fire, and Wake County EMS. One of the occupants was trapped and required extrication. Both the pilot and passengerwere transported to area hospitals and laterreported to be in fairand good condition. - Fire News photo by Mike Legeros

1 Injured in 3-CarMVA

On April 22, 2024, at 0740, the Mooresville and Shepherds fire departments were alerted foran MVAwith injuries and possible pin on Route 21 and FlowerHouse Loop. Units found a three-vehicle MVAwith two people injured. Crews secured the vehicles and cleaned up the debris. Iredell County EMS tended to the injured.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Pickup Flips on Two Wheels in Charlotte

On March 11, 2023, at 1346, Charlotte Fire Department Engine 24-B Shift responded to a two-vehicle MVAon Pineville-Matthews Road at Carmel Commons Boulevard. Apickup and sedan collided, causing the pickup to travel on two wheels across Pineville-Matthews Road, then overturning multiple times; the driverwas not pinned in the vehicle. Mecklenburg County EMS transported the driverof the pickup to Atrium CMC with minorinjuries. The occupant of the sedan was unhurt. - Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

2 Cars and 2 Corners of the Building Hit

On April 2, 2024, at 1052, Mooresville Fire Rescue and Iredell County EMS were alerted fora carversus building MVAon Featherstone Lane. Units arrived to find a carhad struck one end of the building and then struck the otherside of the building causing structural damage at both ends along with hitting two cars. The driverwas evaluated at the scene and released. Mooresville TRTteam from Rescue 1 secured the damaged areas and the building department was notified.

- Fire News photos by ImmsterfirePhotos.com

Harrisburg Carvs Motorcycle Accident on Hwy 49

On March 30, 2024, at 1614, Ladder31, Battalion 31 and Engine 32 from the Harrisburg Fire Department, along with the Cabarrus County Sheriff and EMS, were dispatched to an MVAinvolving a motorcycle on Highway 49 and Morehead Road in Harrisburg. Upon arrival, crews found the motorcyclist in the roadway, with non-life-threatening injuries. The motorcyclist was treated on scene and transported by Cabarrus EMS, with NC State Highway Patrol and Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office investigating the crash.

- Fire News photo by William GKennedy, WGK Public Safety Images

Several Injured in Mooresville Head-on

On April 15, 2024, at 2005, the Shepherds and Mooresville fire departments along with Iredell County EMS responded to multiple calls foran MVAat the intersection of Pert Road and Byers Commons Drive. Arriving units found a head-on collision with several people injured and no entrapment. Crews secured the cars and assisted EMS with the injured.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Transylvania Rescue Take Mountain SAR Training

This winterseveral Transylvania County Rescue Squad members participated in Mountain Search and Rescue (MSAR) training, organized by North Carolina Emergency Management. They spent multiple weekends in Spruce Pine and the Roan Mountain Highlands training with other SAR team members from across the state. The three levels of certification included training on wintersurvival, wilderness rope rescue, and treating hypothermia. The weathercooperated with sleet, freezing rain, snow, and sub-zero wind chills. Fourof our members completed all three courses and are now certified as Mountain Rescue Technicians. Shout out to ourmembers who participated: Andy, Brooks, Clyde, Dan, Jayne, Jim, Shannon and Tom.

- Photos courtesy of Transylvania County Rescue Squad

Charlotte Fire Recruit Class 124 Live Fire Training

On February 23, 2024, just a week before graduation, Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) Recruit Class 124 participated in a live fire exercise at the Charlotte Fire Training Academy. Underthe direction of CFD Captain Darin McIntosh, these soon-to-be-firefighters trained in handson scenarios including fire behavior, advancing hose line through a building as well as otherdisciplines. Soon these recruits will respond as firefighters within the city of Charlotte keeping the residents safe 24/7.

- Fire News photo by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Gas Leak in Mooresville

On April 4, 2024, at 1152, Mooresville and Shepherds fire rescues responded to a reported gas leak on Endicott Court. Acontractor had severed a gas line at the site. Crews stretched a precautionary line as additional crews were able to crimp the gas line.

- Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

SilerCity

On March 25, 2024, the Cool Springs VolunteerFire Department trained at a donated outbuilding. Crews trained on cutting through metal garage doors and otherfirefighting techniques to bettertrain some of the newerfirefighters.

Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

SilerCity conducted two live burns in February. Personnel from SilerCity, Bonlee and Silk Hope participated in both burns. - Submitted by Scott J. Murphy, Fire Chief

US Army Joins Forces with Charlotte First Responders in Vista Forge Exercise

During the week of February 20, 2024, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management Office partnered with the United States Northern Command to conduct Vista Forge, a week-long full-scale exercise in response to a simulated catastrophic incident within Mecklenburg County. The exercise provides US military unit leaders an opportunity to measure and evaluate their capabilities to successfully complete a unit mission working in collaboration with local, state and federal partners. This full-scale simulation provides the US Army a chance to enhance theircapabilities to support civil authorities in the areas of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear(CBRN) incident responses. Working in collaboration with Charlotte Fire Department, CMPD, Atrium Health, Novant Health, and other agencies, responders trained in various disciplines, including but not limited to, search and rescue, decontamination, medical triage and stabilization, and incident management capabilities.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Live Burn Training forCool Springs

Hudson Trains National Guard

The Hudson Fire Department hosted a Smoke Training Exercise forthe National Guard on April 7, 2024. The department had over100 soldiers participating in the exercise. The training was in place to prepare the troops forfuture training with gas masks forfuture deployments. Chief Tommy Courtnerworked with the group fora month setting up the exercise.

- Photo courtesy of Lt. Tyler Bumgarner, Hudson FD

On March 2, 2024, the Cool Springs VolunteerFire Department conducted a live burn training on a donated structure. Members of the department were able to train on different fire scenarios forseveral hours before the structure was deemed unsafe and destroyed. These training exercises allow firefighters to come as close to a structure fire in a semi-controlled environment and experience the heat and the negative visibility while finding the set fires and extinguishing them. The live burn training was underthe command of Chief Andy Webster. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

New Mooresville FFs Get a Taste

The newest Mooresville Fire-Rescue firefighters (Recruit Class 017) participated in a live burn training exercise on February 16, 2024.

- Submitted by Brittany Coral

MultiDepartment Training

On March 4, 2024, at the South Iredell VolunteerFire Department training facility a multi-department and county training session was conducted by the West Rowan Fire Department. The drill included Atwell, West Rowan, Enochville, Odell and South Iredell. There were 71 firefighters who participated in the training and crews did multiple scenarios working togetherand strengthening the relationship with the otherdepartments. - Fire News photos by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Huntersville House Fire on Oxford Place

On March 27, 2024, at approximately 1430, the Huntersville Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire on Oxford Place. While en route, Huntersville Engine 4 reported a visible headerand upon arrival, Engine 4 reported fire showing from the attic and on the back side of a single-story residential structure. Engine 4 began the fire attack, with Ladder4 conducting the primary search, Tower1 was assigned to vertical ventilation and Engine 1 securing the watersupply. Huntersville Car1 assumed command and crews were able to control the fire by 1455. One occupant reported receiving minorburns and was treated on the scene by MEDIC 2. - Fire News photo by William GKennedy, WGK Public Safety Images

Garage Fire Snuffed Before Extending

On April 15, 2024, at 1501, Mooresville, Mount Mourne, South Iredell and Davidson, responded to multiple calls fora structure fire on Timberview Lane. Arriving units were met with fire showing from an attached two-cargarage. One line was stretched and crews knocked down the fire before it extended to the rest of the garage and home. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

Big Water in Dare County

The North Carolina Forest Service in Dare County operates this 6,000-gallon tractordrawn tanker. It’s based at the county headquarters at Dare County Regional Airport and can be special-called to assist at structure fires. It recently responded off-island to a majorwarehouse fire in Manns Harboron February 27, 2024. - Fire News photo by Mike Legeros

Charlotte Hotel Fire

On April 14, 2024, at 1551, the Charlotte Fire Department dispatched Engine 17, Ladder13 and Battalion 8 to an unknown type of fire at a hotel nearthe Charlotte-Douglas Airport. Thirty seconds later, Charlotte Fire Alarm upgraded the call to a possible structure fire, afterseveral callers reported that an electrical box on the outside of the building was sparking and had started burning. The upgrade added Engines 13, 10 and 30, Tower18, Rescue 10, Battalion 3 and Safety 1. Engine 17 arrived on scene and reported light smoke showing from the side of the building. Engine 17 was able to quickly extinguish an outside fire in the mulch next to the building. Crews determined the fire had likely started in the mulch next to the building but found the fire may have extended to an electrical/utility chase on the structure. Battalion 8 assumed command while crews from Engines 17 and 13, with Ladder13 checked forany extension and ventilated the building. - Fire News photo by William G. Kennedy, WGK Public Safety Images

Statesville Commercial Blaze

On March 5, 2024 at 1146, the Statesville Fire Department battled a working structure fire at the Wm.T.Burnett and Company on West Front Street in Statesville. Crews were met with heavy smoke and fire coming from the roof of the large manufacturing plant. Crews stretched hoselines into the fire building and to the roof and additional crews searched the large building; the search was negative. The fire was brought undercontrol at 1210. Additional units came from Monticello and Harmony. Chief of Department Glenn Kurfees was in command of the operation and that command was terminated at 1418 with the building being turned overto the management. - Fire News photo by ImmsterFirePhotos.com

8th Annual Richard Sheltra Memorial Race

On April 20, 2024, the Pineville Fire Department held the 8th Annual Richard Sheltra Memorial Run. Richard Sheltra was a Pineville Firefighterwhen he was killed in the line of duty during a Pineville multi-alarm fire on April 30, 2016, at the age of 20. Following his death the Richard Sheltra Memorial Foundation was founded. Richard, while alive, emphasized the importance of education and updated turnout gear. The foundation hopes to keep his memory alive and honorhis wishes through providing gearand educational opportunities to first responders including firefighters, EMTs and police officers. The foundation also provides annual scholarships to students entering public service. The Richard Sheltra Memorial Race takes place every spring with a 5K, 10K and Fun Run. All proceeds from the run go to benefit the foundation. The Richard Sheltra Memorial Foundation relies on donations and the proceeds from this annual event. If you would like to learn more about the Richard Sheltra Memorial Foundation please visit the foundations website https://rsmf73.org/.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Charlotte Recruit

Class 124 Graduates

On March 28, 2024, after 22 weeks of intense daily training, tests, endurance, emotions, being pushed to their limits and much more, Charlotte Fire Department Recruit Class 124 became full-time Charlotte firefighters.

In front of friends, family and Charlotte Fire Department personnel, 13 recruits walked the stage as they had their badges pinned, ready to serve the citizens of Charlotte. CFD Training Officer Captain Darin McIntosh, oversaw all of the training of the class. Capt. McIntosh left Recruit Class 124 with the following advice to remember throughout their new career. “Keep training, keep learning and keep striving to be the best you can be. All it takes is all you got.”

Two recruits received awards in two different categories, the Physical Fitness Award and Highest Grade Point Average (GPA). The Physical Fitness Award was presented to Recruit and Class President Andrew Sales. Highest GPAaward was presented to recruit Charles Phelps III. Recruit Class 124 Graduates: Marvin Asencio; Madison Conner; Austin Denice; Mason Dugas; Austin Ely, Jr.; Jarvis Harria; Brandon Hill; Quentin Hooker; Grady Hopper; Brian Major; Charles Phelps III; Andrew Sales; and Caleb Watson. - Fire News photos

AIR CLEANINGSPECIALISTS, INC. (ACS) CELEBRATES ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Air Cleaning Specialists, Inc. (ACS) is thrilled to celebrate its 40th anniversary this summer, marking four decades of excellence in providing indoor air pollution control solutions since 1984. Over the years, ACS has become a trusted name in the industry, offering comprehensive services including design, sales, installation, service, parts, and replacement filters for vehicle exhaust removal systems, dust collection systems, and toxic gas monitoring. Our commitment to ensuring clean and safe air in various environments has made us a leader in the field. As part of our ongoing dedication to supporting first responders and industry professionals, ACS will be attending the South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association Fire-Rescue 2024. Join us at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center from June 13-15, where we’ll be at Booth 108. We look forward to connecting with attendees, showcasing our latest innovations, and celebrating this milestone with our community. Thank you for trusting ACS with your air quality needs for the past 40 years; we look forward to many more years of service.

Cary Fire Station Undergoes Renovations

The town of Cary is renovating Fire Station 4 on Old Apex Road. The 1987 building was vacated on January 19, and Engine 4 was moved into temporary quarters on the site. The year-long project will extend the building’s usable life and mitigate majormaintenance and repairs forsome 20 years. The resulting “like new” station will include such improvements as an added workout room, energy efficient LED lighting, a fire sprinklersystem, and bi-fold doors. The exteriorappearance of the building will also be updated.

- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros

Matthews Fire Breaks Ground on New Firehouse as Town Grows

On March 7, 2024, Matthews Fire and EMS along with the Town of Matthews picked up the shovels to officially break ground on the construction of Matthews Fire and EMS Department Station 3. MFD Fire Station 3, which was designed by ADWArchitects and being built by SAMETConstruction, will be a 12,771-square-foot facility housing 12 careerfirefighters, supplemented by part-time and volunteerfirefighters along with an engine company to start. The new firehouse will also feature a conference/community room accessible foruse by the community members of Matthews. Fire Chief Rob Kinniburgh, fire department staff, and town officials began to envision this new firehouse in 2017. With the addition of Matthews Fire and EMS Station nearly the entire Town of Matthews will be within 21/2 miles of a fire station, which is an increase of 25 percent. The station is expected to be open and in service in early 2025. “We want the people of this community to think of this as theirfire station,” said Chief Kinniburgh.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

16th Annual Salute to Heroes Hockey Game

On April 20, 2024, Charlotte Fire/Medics took on CMPD/Mecklenburg Sheriffs in the 16th Annual Salute to Heroes Charity Game. In front of a packed Bojangles Coliseum, to defend their2023 Championship win against theirfoes. The intense game came with goals, fights on the ice and plenty of tension. Unfortunately, Law Enforcement defeated Fire/MEDIC 8-5 to reclaim the Championship in theirfirst win since 2017. All proceeds from the game supported the Salute to Heroes Charlotte Foundation. The foundation assists local first responders in local counties in both North Carolina and South Carolina.

- Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Saving Raleigh’s Snorkel

One of the few surviving snorkels in North Carolina is a 1988 Pierce that served the Raleigh Fire Department. It operated as Truck 1 at Station 1 foryears and was laterassigned to stations 15, 22, 24 and 26. It famously fought fire as a reserve ladderat the historic Metropolitan fire in March 2017, and was latershown on the coverof Firehouse magazine. The snorkel was retired in 2020 and subsequently donated to the Raleigh Fire Museum. The non-profit organization recently moved the snorkel to indoorstorage, afteryears of being parked outdoors. They are planning fundraisers to support its preservation. Some three dozen snorkels have served in North Carolina, from the mountains to the coast.

- Fire News photo by Mike Legeros

LODDs: 4 Charlotte Law Enforcement Officers Killed in Ambush

When first responders are killed in the line of duty, other first responders salute their service and memory. On April 3, 2024, one of four first responders killed while trying to serve a warrant on April 29, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Officer Joshua Eyer, was laid to rest with thousands of law enforcement officers, EMTs and firefighters saluting their service. Officers from across the nation, some as far as Long Island (NY) and Washington DC, lined the streets of Uptown Charlotte as dozens of law enforcement vehicles escorted Officer Eyer’s body from First Baptist Church in Charlotte to his final resting place at Sharon Memorial Park.

On Monday, April 29, 2024, the US Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force (CRFTF) comprised of various agencies were serving an arrest warrant on a wanted felon in possession of firearms in the Shannon Park neighborhood of East Charlotte. CharlotteMecklenburg Police Department North Tryon Division officers responded to initially assist the Marshals. As Marshals and officers approached the residence, the suspect began firing on the officers from a second-floor window with an automatic rifle striking multiple officers. Eight officers were struck by gunfire, four of whom made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg North Tryon Division Officer Joshua Eyer joined CMPD in October 2017 and served 12 years in the North Carolina Army National Guard with two deployments to Afghanistan and Kuwait. Just weeks before his ultimate sacrifice, Eyer was recognized as Officer of the Month for April by CMPD Chief of Police Johnny Jennings. Officer Eyer was not scheduled to work on the day the ambush occurred but stepped up to work extra hours to spend time with family at an event later that week. Officer Eyer exemplified what it meant to be a dedicated police officer and serve his community. He leaves behind his wife Ashley and three-year-old son Andrew.

US Deputy Marshal Thomas Weeks, Jr., was a 13-year veteran of the US Marshals Service (USMS), serving in the Western District of North Carolina for the past 10 years. Weeks started his career with the USMS in November 2011 in Washington DC, before transferring to Charlotte in February 2014. Weeks, a resident of Mooresville, leaves behind a wife and four children. [Amemorial service was held for US Deputy Marshal Thomas Weeks, Jr., on May 6, 2024.]

North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Investigator Samuel ‘Sam’Poloche grew up in Newton and served with the Department of Adult Correction for 14 years and was assigned to the Special Operations and Intelligence Unit. He was assigned as a task force member of US Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force. He was passionate about his job and protecting the community. Investigator Poloche leaves behind a wife and two children. [A memorial service was held for Investigator Sam Poloch on May 13, 2024.]

North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections Investigator William ‘Alden’Elliott started his law enforcement career in 2008 with the Overland Park Police Department in Overland Park (TX) before moving to North Carolina. He joined the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections in 2010 as a parole officer before moving to the Special Operations and Intelligence Unit in 2016 working along with Investigator Poloche. Elliot leaves behind a wife and child. [Amemorial service was held for Investigator William ‘Alden’Elliott on May 9, 2024.]. - Officer photos provided; Fire News photos by FullyInvolvedMediaGroup.com

Marshal Thomas Weeks, Jr. William Alden ElliottJoshua EyerSamuel Poloche