BOONE, N.C. — Watauga County's Sgt. Chris Ward and K-9 officer Logan Fox died in the line of duty one year ago

David Ward is the pastor at Westside Baptist Church in Sugar Grove. He's been part of the church community his entire life. It's a way of life that his son, Chris Ward, grew up in as well.

David Ward says he can still feel his son, especially in his Bible. He keeps his son's Bible on display in his home's entranceway. 

"He made quite a legacy in my life. He was my helper," David Ward said.

Chris Ward and K-9 officer Logan Fox were killed one year ago when responding to a welfare check in Watauga County.

The sheriff says the shooter, Isaac Barnes, killed his mother, Michelle Ligon, and stepfather, George Ligon, before deputies arrived. Barnes was also killed that day.

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David Ward was two hours away when the standoff began, but after getting a call to return to Boone he rushed back and saw his son before he left in the helicopter to get help.

"The Lord worked that out to get me back in time to see him. We couldn't touch him in Johnson City but we did get to see him before he left Boone. We got to hug him and tell him bye," David Ward said.

He says it was the worst day of his life, and for Chris Ward's wife and two children. The youngest of Chris Ward's children is only 6 years old.

David Ward says emotions are coming back on this one year anniversary.

"A lot of stuff coming up that you want to go to, but you don't know if you can get to it. It's going to be tough on all the family," David Ward said.

He is proud that his son is alive in the minds of Watauga County residents and that his legacy is living on.

"I see his face every day but one day I'll see him. I get to be with him one day," David Ward said.