Mayor Honors Raleigh's Fallen

Jayne Kirkpatrick, Director, Public Affairs

Prepared by: Public Affairs Department, 919-996-3100

April 30, 2012

 

Mayor Honors Raleigh's Fallen
Notes Approach of 90th Anniversary of Raleigh’s First Officer To Lose His Life in the Line of Duty

 

Mayor Nancy McFarlane noted that, while there are many reasons that put Raleigh on everyone’s “best of” lists, she credited the officers of the Raleigh Police Department as being the foremost among these reasons.

"Because of these men and women, Raleigh’s more than 400,000 residents and several thousands of visitors and guests can pursue the daily activities of their lives without fear. Today’s Run 4 Our Heroes reminds us just what the price for this security can be," the Mayor said during the wreath-laying ceremony for the Fourth Annual Run 4 Our Heroes on April 28.

Mayor McFarlane was joined by members of the Raleigh Police Department and family members of the fallen officers.

All proceeds from the Fourth Annual Run 4 Our Heroes 5K Race went to the foundation’s fund to build a memorial to the Raleigh Police Officers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Somber Anniversary

Mayor McFarlane noted the approach of the 90th anniversary of the first Raleigh police officer to be slain in the line of duty. Officer Tom G. Crabtree was shot to death on Sept. 11, 1922. He was the first of three Raleigh police officers who were shot to death by felons.
The ceremonial wreath-laying was held at 8:30 a.m. in Nash Square, across Hargett Street from the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex and the former Raleigh Police Department’s headquarters.

The 5K race/walk followed a certified course through Downtown Raleigh. At 10 a.m., the McGruff Crime Dog 100-Yard Kids Dash was held at Nash Square. A free social for event participants followed the race at Napper Tandy’s Restaurant.

The Raleigh Police Memorial Foundation is a charitable, non-profit, private organization and is separate from the City of Raleigh Police Department.
The eight fallen offices and the dates of their deaths are: Tom Crabtree, Sept. 1, 1922; Robert Sparks, March 8, 1968; James Lee, Dec. 5, 1968; James Allen, Dec. 5, 1968; D.D. Adams, Feb. 3, 1980; Denise Holden, Aug. 4, 1995; Paul Hale, July 11, 1997; and Charles Paul, Sept. 10, 2002.