BOONE, N.C. — Aron Gabriel, the superintendent of Newton-Conover City Schools, said on the night of April 29 he received a phone call from his school board chair. It was at that moment he learned alum Alden Elliott was killed in the line of duty.


What You Need To Know

  • Alden Elliott was killed in the line of duty while serving a warrant

  • Elliott was a graduate of Newton-Conover City Schools

  • The superintendent said Elliott went above and beyond to make sure kids in the area were safe

"There are not enough good people in this world, but when you lose one, the ripple effects are felt. It just kind of hits you in the gut," Gabriel said.

Elliott was one of four law enforcement officers killed on April 29. They were at a Charlotte home to serve a warrant when police say the suspect opened fire.

"He was in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He was in Students Against Drunk Driving. He was a baseball player. He was a basketball player. He was also recognized as best looking, so that was one of his senior superlatives," Gabriel said.

Elliott graduated Newton-Conover in 1995. He was very active in the community then but also now. Gabriel said despite his busy schedule he would always keep an eye on the schools.

"When Governor Cooper several years ago after Uvalde had a lot of folks in law enforcement in probation going to check exterior doors. He just took it upon himself to check South Newton and North Newton [elementary schools]," Gabriel said.

Elliott began his law enforcement career in Overland Park Police Department in Kansas in 2008. The department said he was only there a year and a half before moving to North Carolina to begin his time at the Department of Adult Correction, where he worked for 14 years.

"Anytime there was a parent event or needs at the school, Alden was part of it. He was more than willing to help even though his plate was very full," Gabriel said.

He said the community is willing to help because losing him was a loss for everyone.

"I know there isn't a person in our community that wouldn't be willing to help the family if needed," Gabriel said.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday at Catawba Valley Community College.