Bryan Anderson
A riderless horse approaches the Holmes Convocational Center for the funeral services of Watauga County Sheriff s Deputies Sgt. Chris Ward and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox in Boone, N.C., Thursday, May 6, 2021. The two deputies were killed in the line of duty. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome) May 06, 2021 - 4:16 PM
RALEIGH, N.C. - The sheriff was already running late to the office when a woman pleaded for him to stop. She wanted to pay her respects to the families of Sgt. Chris Ward and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox, but didn t have much to offer.
Less than a week ago in Boone, North Carolina, two deputies had been killed in the line of duty while performing what was supposed to be a routine welfare check. They were met with gunfire and killed after entering the home.
At funeral, fallen Watauga deputies remembered as heroes
BRYAN ANDERSON, Associated Press/Report for America
May 6, 2021
FacebookTwitterEmail 18
1of18A processional approaches the Holmes Convocational Center for the funeral services of Watauga County Sheriff s Deputies Sgt. Chris Ward and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox in Boone, N.C., Thursday, May 6, 2021. The two deputies were killed in the line of duty.Gerry Broome/APShow MoreShow Less
2of18Family members escorted by law enforcement officers lead a processional to the Holmes Convocational Center for the funeral services of Watauga County Sheriff s Deputies Sgt. Chris Ward and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox in Boone, N.C., Thursday, May 6, 2021. The two deputies were killed in the line of duty.Gerry Broome/APShow MoreShow Less
The town was incorporated in May of 1981.
The celebration took place at the Fred and Margie Pfohl Buckeye Recreation Center where hundreds gathered outside to celebrate the town. During the celebration, there was an Arbor Day tree planting, inflatables for kids to play on, door prizes and a meet-and-greet with town departments and businesses. The Beech Mountain Fire Department and Beech Mountain Police Department also faced off in a cornhole challenge.
The day was capped off with the sealing of a time capsule that will be opened in 20 years. Residents put notes and items in the box for those living in the community in 20 years to find. The time capsule will be buried at another event.
1 of 19
Watauga County Sgt Chris Ward is brought to his funeral by the North Carolina Troopers Association Caisson Unit. His wife and two daughters lead the family helping escort him inside.
Watauga County Deputy Logan Fox is brought to his funeral by the North Carolina Troopers Association Caisson Unit.
A caisson approaches the Holmes Convocational Center for the funeral services of Watauga County Sheriff s Deputies Sgt. Chris Ward and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox in Boone, N.C., Thursday, May 6, 2021. The two deputies were killed in the line of duty. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome) PHOTO: AP/Gerry Broome
A caisson approaches the Holmes Convocational Center for the funeral services of Watauga County Sheriff s Deputies Sgt. Chris Ward and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox in Boone, N.C., Thursday, May 6, 2021. The two deputies were killed in the line of duty. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Then it hit him.
“Her gift’s worth is not measured by the tactile touch of paper nor that of coin,” Hagaman said. “It was, after all, her gift - a gift that cannot be identified by ink and paper, nor that of forged metal. Its worth transcends any worth that we could ever ascribe. It is, however, the quiet and simple gift of hope, faith and love. These are the three attributes of our two fallen brothers.”
The deputies may have saved lives, Hagaman said in an interview last week. The gunman who killed his mother, stepfather and the two deputies owned a lot weapons, which may have been intended for a mass shooting, Hagaman said. The gunman is also suspected of taking his own life during the 13-hour standoff with police.