CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dozens of people packed a Concord church to honor the men and women who paid the ultimate price.

What You Need To Know

  • Families and police agencies packed a North Carolina church to honor fallen officers

  • The annual event pays respect to those officers and loved ones for their service

  • A North Carolina woman shares how the event is providing comfort during these times 

The 40th annual North Carolina Peace Officers’ Memorial Day ceremony took place Tuesday morning at Multiply Church.

The ceremonial event pays respects to fallen officers.

Julynn Washington is the accreditation policy manager at N.C. Justice Academy. She’s also the coordinator for the Peace Officers' Memorial Day ceremony.

Washington said it’s important to pay homage to officers that didn’t return home.

“We want to make sure their loved ones know we do appreciate their service to the communities,” Washington said. “It is unfortunate we [must] have this ceremony because that means families are being inducted to a club they may not necessarily want to be a part of.”“We want to make sure their loved ones know we do appreciate their service to the communities,” Washington said. “It is unfortunate we [must] have this ceremony because that means families are being inducted to a club they may not necessarily want to be a part of.”

Washington said families of the fallen heroes received a flag in remembrance of their loved ones.

During the ceremonies, leaders read names of those added to The North Carolina Honor Roll, which lists names of fallen heroes, dating back to 1804.

Tuesday’s event added eight more names to the list, all of whom died while serving in 2024:

  • Christopher Johnson
  • William Alden Elliott
  • Joshua Eyer
  • Samuel Poloche
  • Thomas M. Weeks
  • Michelle Lynn Quintero
  • Charles James "Jim" Lau
  • Michael Horan

Cielo Poloche is the wife of fallen hero Samuel Poloche. They were married for 22 years.

"Sam was very quiet,” Poloche said. “He was constantly observing but to himself. When he warmed up, he would love to talk to you for hours."

Samuel Poloche is one of four officers killed in April 2024 while serving a warrant in a Charlotte community.

Cielo Poloche expressed gratitude to those offering support to her and family during these times.

"This year has been very chaotic. There’s been a lot thrown at us over the year, but things are starting to wrap up and calm down,” Poloche said. “We're at over the year mark and these events will be the last, as sort of the finish line for us. I feel really special just all the attention and support that's been given to my family. It just feels comfortable, like they’re remembered, and we’re taken care of in his absence."

The North Carolina Peace Officers’ Memorial Day ceremony also included a presentation of colors, Memorial Honor Guard and 21-gun salute.

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