January and February were both busy and productive for the Back The Blue NC team!
Several months ago many generous business and personal donations were made to help us build baskets for the Wake County Sheriff’s Office K9 Deputies and their K9s after the loss of their partner Deputy Ned Byrd (EOW 08/11/2022). Despite just losing their partner, these Deputies were refused time off to grieve and many could not attend Byrd’s funeral service.
Even though these gift baskets were delivered back in early October, photos could not be shared with our donors and followers until Sheriff Baker was out of Office. Now that new leadership is making things right in the Wake County Sheriff’s Office we are able to share this heartwarming event with you! All of the handlers and K9s that were active during Deputy Byrd’s loss received baskets full of gifts as a show of support and appreciation.
Thank you again for our donors and volunteers who helped make this happen!
On January 3rd we remembered NC State Trooper John Horton who lost his life one year ago during a traffic stop. Trooper Horton had served with the North Carolina Highway Patrol for 15 years. He is survived by his wife and six children who we hold in our thoughts and prayers
On January 9th we recognized National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
Every day we send our sincerest thanks to our nation's law enforcement officers!
On January 20th representatives of Back The Blue NC visited the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, NC for a scheduled
presentation with the Sheriff and parents of Sgt. Matthew Fishman.
Sgt. Fishman had faithfully served the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department for 12 years before being shot during delivery of involuntary commitment papers to a subject back on August 1st, 2022. Fishman and the two other Deputies
that had responded to the scene were injured, but ultimately Fishman succumbed to his injuries the following day on August 2nd 2022. He leaves behind his parents, wife, and two young children. Through our fundraising efforts, we were able to provide his wife Mrs. Fishman $29,000 to care for their children back in October. This presentation was our opportunity to formally pay our respects and provide memorial flags to the Sheriff, Sgt. Fishman’s parents, and Mrs. Fishman. We are grateful to the hospitality and fellowship the Sheriff’s Office provided and are thankful for their service and for Sgt. Fishman’s service.
On February 1st staff members of Back The Blue NC held an official presentation at the Wake County Sheriff's Office with Sheriff Willie Rowe and members of the K-9 Unit. Back The Blue NC presented a check for $1,400 to be used by the K-9 Unit as they see fit. This money comes from a surplus of the generous donations made by businesses and the community to provide the K9 Unit with gift baskets following the loss of their partner Deputy Ned Byrd (EOW 08/11/2022). All 12 Handlers and all 14 K9 partners had received gift baskets.
A memorial plaque honoring Deputy Ned Byrd was also presented to Sheriff Willie Rowe on behalf of the Wake County Sheriff's Office. In addition to the K9 Unit fundraiser, Back the Blue NC initially raised money for Byrd’s family, but they returned it and asked the funds instead to be used to help someone else. Our team has decided, with the family's blessing and support, to partner with Wake Tech Community College to put one students through basic law enforcement training each academy class (two a year). This mission was just announced at the official presentation at the Wake County Sheriff's Office yesterday.
With this scholarship fund, Back The Blue NC intends to keep Deputy Byrd's name and legacy alive and to help fund future Law Enforcement Officers who otherwise may not be able to afford basic law enforcement training.
Back The Blue NC has already raised $6,771 for the scholarship fund, which would sponsor four recruits through future academy classes. It is our goal to be able to increase the number of quality candidates we can fund who will in turn contribute to the safety of our community and carry on Byrd's legacy.
If you would like to contribute please donate through our fundraiser at
On February 11th members of Back The Blue NC, Inc. held a presentation for the wife and daughter of Fallen Officer Gabriel Torres at the Raleigh Police Department Northwest District with Chief Estella Patterson, Captain Sean Hoolan, and several RPD Officers. During the presentation Mrs. Torres was delivered a memorial plaque in honor of Ofc. Torres, along with the announcement of funds raised to be placed into a secure trust fund for her daughter. A memorial plaque was presented to Chief Patterson as well.
Finally, we have recently launched this commercial, produced by our own Digital Media Product Gary Ushino:
For as little as 34 cents a day you can assist families of the Fallen like that of Mr. Tim Hayworth featured in our newest commercial. He lost his son, Knightdale Police Officer Ryan Hayworth, in the line of duty on October 17,2021 when he his patrol car was struck from behind by an impaired driver.
Just visit www.backthebluenc.org/1033 to register as a monthly donor for $10.33, $30, or $50 a month. 100% of your donation will go to our 10-33 Assistance Program which will assist future families of Law Enforcement Officers killed in the line of duty.
We are always looking for volunteers to join our team! Please reach out if you are interested in assisting with our social media presence, website development, or want to assist with fundraising events! You can email us at contact@backthebluenc.org
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