On April 29, 2024, members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force were attempting to serve a warrant at 5525 Galway Drive in Charlotte, North Carolina. The offender was wanted for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of felony flee to elude out of Lincoln County, approximately 30 minutes northwest of Charlotte. Shortly after 1 p.m., as Task Force members approached the residence, the offender retreated inside the home before opening fire on law enforcement officers with a rifle.

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For the next 20 minutes, an intense exchange of gunfire ensued. Three members of the Task Force, Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks, North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Investigators William Elliott and Samuel Poloche, were fatally wounded.  The initial attack prompted a massive response from more than one hundred officers across multiple agencies, including the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). Among those responding was CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer, who was also shot and killed while courageously attempting to protect others. The offender was ultimately killed by law enforcement. 

 

 

 

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In total, four officers lost their lives, four others were wounded, and countless more were deeply affected by the events of that day. April 29, 2024, stands as the deadliest single attack on law enforcement in North Carolina’s history and one of the deadliest in the nation.

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In the wake of this tragedy, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police and numerous community partners united to support the families of the fallen, the wounded officers, and the agencies involved. The community rallied, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars and standing shoulder to shoulder in grief and solidarity. Yet, for many officers, the aftermath brought difficult questions - what happened, why did it happen, and what could have been done differently.

 

Several injured officers were unable to return to duty and started on a path of recovery for their physical & mental injuries.  Others were placed on administrative leave pending a comprehensive investigation. For dozens who were on scene, the emotional and psychological impact was profound, and many continue to experience lasting effects from that day.

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We are committed to ensuring that the sacrifices of these heroes are never forgotten. To honor the memory of the fallen and courage of those who survived, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #9 Foundation, established a memorial golf tournament dedicated to these brave heroes. In the aftermath of critical incidents, life’s financial obligations do not pause. Mortgage payments, car payments, and everyday expenses continue, and in many cases, the fallen officer was the primary provider for their family. This reality creates an immediate and significant hardship for surviving loved ones.

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Following the April 29th tragedy, our Foundation distributed over $200,000 to the families of the fallen, the injured officers, and others directly affected. We are profoundly grateful to the donors whose generosity made this possible. Our mission is to ensure that no law enforcement officer or family member faces financial hardship due to a line-of-duty death or injury.

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This memorial golf tournament was established to raise vital funds and to create four scholarships honoring Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks, NC DAC Investigators William Elliott and Samuel Poloche, and CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer. The proceeds will provide continued support to the families directly impacted by this tragedy and help ensure that future needs of law enforcement officers and their loved ones are met when hardship strikes.

 

Our Foundation remains unwavering in its mission to stand beside those who serve and to honor the heroes who gave everything to protect our community.

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​You can help by registering a team for golf, sponsor a hole, register as a premier sponsor, or simply just make a donation.  ​The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #9 Foundation, is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. For questions or additional information, please contact us at fop9@ncfoplodge9.com.