Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Shelby, NC (WNN) - It is an unfortunate reality that every year in the spring, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial has the names of those who ended their watch in the line of duty. Cleveland County has its own memorial for fallen heroes, with eight officers’ names carved into the law enforcement side of the monument. During National Police Week on Peace Officers Memorial Day, the Cleveland County Law Enforcement officers gather at this monument to remember those eight individuals.
(Use the arrows to navigate the gallery)
These eight men who gave their lives to protect their communities date all the way back to 1901. While many locals are familiar with the sacrifices of officers Timothy Brackeen and Carl Lee Proper, due to a 42-year stretch between these heroes, some may not know of the other six. For each officer lost, a blue rose was placed upon the memorial, and the bell was tolled.
Sheldon Jones - Shelby Police Department Chief - EOW: August 4, 1901:
The first line-of-duty death for the Shelby Police Department was 123 years ago. Chief Sheldon Jones was shot twice while attempting to serve a warrant. His extreme strength and bravery, shown by continuing his pursuit of the suspect despite the first injury causing a mortal wound, are still honored today. During a struggle to make the arrest, he lost his life to a second shot, and the suspect escaped.
Edgar Hamrick - Shelby Police Department Chief - EOW: August 28, 1904:
Chief Edgar Hamrick lost his life in service one evening after arresting several men for disturbance of the peace. One of the prisoners produced a hidden gun and managed to shoot the chief, a sheriff, and another officer. While Hamrick was the only one to succumb to these injuries, he held on into the early morning of the next day, surrounded by family.
Sandford Pruett - Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office Deputy - EOW: July 5, 1930:
Deputy Sandford Pruett not only gave his life in service, but also saved a fellow officer in his final moments. While assisting federal officers to apprehend a bootlegger, Pruett was struck by the suspect's vehicle. Before being hit, he saved another's life by pushing them out of the way, demonstrating his selflessness.
Ewart Sanders - Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office Deputy - EOW: January 1, 1933:
On New Year's Day, Deputy Ewart Sander was bringing in two suspects to the county jail with his partner at the sally port. One of the two opened fire with a hidden weapon and struck Deputy Sanders. Despite this, Sanders managed to return fire and end the threat to his fellow officers. In his legacy and in honor of his bravery, four generations of Sanders have become law enforcement officers, following in his footsteps.
Donald Henderson - Kings Mountain Police Department Officer - EOW: November 2nd, 1968
Officer Donald Henderson demonstrates the dangers officers face when pursuing a suspect at high speeds. Henderson was forced off the road, rolling several times, causing fatal injuries. Losing his life at the young age of 30 serves as a reminder of the reality that officers can face any day while protecting their communities.
George Allen - Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff - EOW: September 4, 1974:
Sheriff George Allen served 28 years before losing his life in a head-on collision in Cabarrus County. During a routine transport, a tractor-trailer crossed the center line, striking Allen head-on. Much like Sanders, the Allen family today represents five generations of law enforcement, continuing to honor his sacrifice through their own service.
Timothy Brackeen - Shelby Police Department K-9 Officer - EOW: September 12, 2016:
K-9 Officer Timothy Brackeen is the first of those to lose his life that many may recognize. Brackeen was shot in the pursuit of a suspect wanted for armed robbery and kidnapping. His loss, like Proper’s, hits especially hard for those serving today, as someone with whom many of them spent time daily. Brackeen inspired many, and his sacrifice led to the creation of “Road to Hope - Shelby”, which continues to assist locals to this day.
Carl Lee Proper - Kings Mountain Police Department K-9 Officer - EOW: September 17, 2021
Carl Lee Proper, being the most recent one to have his name added to the Cleveland County Fallen Heroes Monument, lost his life in a month-long battle with COVID-19. Proper was known for his good nature and hard work. Those around him remember him as someone who always gave 110% while still remembering the importance of supporting those around him. He became a canine handler with his partner, Bronco, after years of hard work and volunteering.
All of these dedicated individuals have the marks they left behind as the binding thread between them. They have inspired many to follow in their footsteps and begin their own service. The community refuses to let any of their passing go unnoticed, honoring them whenever possible. While we hope to never see another name added to the Fallen Heroes Memorial in Shelby, NC, the people they served with and for will not forget their legacy.
The fallen police officers are not the only names taken down on the Fallen Heroes Memorial. Firefighters and emergency responders are also honored on the monument, and this Friday, May 22, 2026, the firefighters will also be honored. This ceremony will begin at noon at the Fallen Heroes Monument in downtown Shelby. This event is subject to being moved indoors if it rains, but will still occur at this time.
Due to rain, the location of the firefighter memorial ceremony has been changed to Shelby Fire & Rescue Station 2, 303 Charles Road, Shelby, NC.
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