In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15th as National Peace Officer Memorial Day and the calendar week of May 15th as National Police Week. As part of this honoring of officers who have died in the line of duty, below are the North Carolina Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers who have died serving the citizens of North Carolina. This serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by wildlife law enforcement officers each day.
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John W. Hollowell End of Watch: August 30, 1930
Officer Hollowell was assaulted outside the Chowan County courthouse by three individuals whom he had just testified against for fishing violations. He died as a result of injuries sustained in that assault. Two of the subjects were charged and convicted in Officer Hollowell’s death.
Joseph D. Whitaker End of watch: November 15, 1936
Officer Whitaker was killed while working night deer hunting in Henderson County. His assailants were never identified.
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| Joesph D.Whitaker |
William I. Wright Jr. End of Watch: October 31, 1948
Officer Wright was thought to have been killed by a person or persons closed season hunting squirrels in Sampson County. Although it was reported that his killers were known by police, no one was ever charged.
William G. Holler End of Watch: October 19, 1951
Officer Holler was killed in an automobile accident in Mecklenburg County.
Amos M. Bordeaux End of Watch: April 10, 1962
Officer Bordeaux was accidentally killed in Sampson County while cleaning his service weapon after target practice.
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| Amos M. Bordeaux |
John O. Edwards End of Watch: August 3, 1963
Officer Edwards was killed in an automobile accident on his way home from a night deer hunting detail. The accident occurred between Jacksonville and Kenansville, N.C.
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| John O. Edwards |
Dewey H. McCall End of Watch: September 5, 1971
Officer McCall was killed in Burke County after issuing an angler a citation for possession of undersized fish. The angler left the area and returned to confront Officer McCall. The assailant was shot by Officer McCall, but survived his injuries.
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| Dewey McCall |
Troy M. Sigmon End of Watch: September 1, 1978
Officer Sigmon was an area leader (a position now referred to as sergeant) in District Four. He was flying as an observer in a helicopter near Whiteville, N.C. when it snagged a power line while looking for dove bait. Officer Sigmon was killed when the helicopter crashed. The pilot survived.
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| Troy Sigmon |
Lloyd (Neil) Mayse End of Watch: November 27, 1980
Officer Mayse stopped two brothers for night deer hunting in Northhampton County. One brother was riding on the hood while the other drove. After stopping the pair a fight ensued followed by gunfire. Officer Mayes killed one suspect and was then killed by the other.
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| parents of Neil Mayes receive a plaque honoring his sacrifice |
William A. Williamson End of Watch: December 4, 1985
Officer Williamson was responding to a call for assistance from an officer who had stopped a vehicle for night deer hunting. He crashed his vehicle traveling to assist the officer and died on the scene.
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| William Williamson |
