RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Raleigh community paid its respects to a fallen officer Wednesday who was killed in the line of duty 21 years ago.

• Det. Paul Hale died in the line of duty in 1997.
• Each year a ceremony is held on July 11.
• Hale was a seven-year veteran of the force.

Each year, a wreath laying ceremony is held on the anniversary of Det. Paul Hale’s death.

Hale and his partner were trying to bring a murder suspect in for questioning. When they approached the man's vehicle, he opened fire on the officers.

A bullet struck the Hale in the head, killed him instantly.

Hale's partner fired back and injured the suspect, who is now serving a life sentence in prison.

Hale was a husband and father of two girls.

He had just been promoted to detective five days before the fatal shooting.

Hale had served with the police department for seven years.