A day of remembrance: Cabarrus County honors officers, pays tribute to the fallen
Families, officers and community members gather in Concord as Major Patrick Tierney is recognized for decades of service.
This article is based on a news release from Cabarrus County.
“We will never forget what they did to protect us.”
Those words from U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson set the tone Friday morning as law enforcement officers, elected officials and community members gathered in downtown Concord for the 2026 Law Enforcement Day and Peace Officers Memorial.
The annual ceremony, led by Cabarrus County Sheriff Van Shaw, was marked by reflection, gratitude and a solemn commitment to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“We want to thank the families of our officers that we honor and remember today,” Shaw said. “We appreciate them being with us, remembering with us, grieving with us and also hoping that we do not add to this list.”
Following the presentation of colors by the Concord Police Department, Shaw presented the Robert J. Eury Award to Major Patrick Tierney of the Concord Police, honoring his more than two decades of service to the Concord community.
The award — the highest recognition in local law enforcement — is named for Lt. Robert J. Eury, a Cabarrus County sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty in 1972.
A lifelong resident, Tierney has served across patrol, investigations, tactical operations and leadership roles. Now commander of the department’s Administration Bureau, he said the recognition was unexpected.
“Off the top of my head, I can think of over a dozen people who are more deserving of this award than I am,” Tierney said. “I’m related to two of them. So to be getting this award ... it’s kind of surreal.”
Despite the honor, Tierney emphasized the significance of the ceremony itself — one he has attended nearly every year of his career.
“I believe this is important to reflect on the work that we do and also remember those who died doing that work,” he said. “When the ceremony’s over with, we get back after it.”
Russ Ferguson, who serves as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, echoed that sentiment in his keynote address, emphasizing the sacrifices made daily by law enforcement.
“Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day knowing that they may not come home, and for what?” he asked. “They don’t do it for the pay. They don’t do it for the recognition ... they do it for the deepest sense of public service.”
He urged attendees to be intentional in expressing appreciation.
“We have to be more purposeful in recognizing our men and women in blue for what they really are: our guardians, our protectors, people willing to put the safety of others ahead of their own lives,” Ferguson said.
He closed with a direct message to officers in attendance: “As a representative of the United States Department of Justice, I want you to know we have your back, and you have our thanks.”
One of the ceremony’s most emotional moments came during the white rose tribute, led by Kannapolis Police Chief Terry Spry.
As the names of Cabarrus County’s fallen officers were read aloud, family members stepped forward one by one to place white roses at the Peace Officers Memorial — each symbolizing a life lost but not forgotten.
The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps” by the Kannapolis Police, followed by a rendition of “Amazing Grace” performed by members of Concord Fire Services.
Afterward, attendees lingered — embracing, sharing memories and reflecting on the meaning of the day.
Since 1899, eight officers have died in the line of duty while serving Cabarrus County:
William J. Kearns, Concord Police Department (Sept. 2, 1899)
Ralph Chandler Kennerly, Concord Police Department (Oct. 20, 1920)
William F. Propst, Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office (Nov. 17, 1922)
Martin R. Kiser, Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office (March 3, 1931)
Robert J. Eury, Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office (May 5, 1972)
Roger D. Carter, Kannapolis Police Department (Dec. 31, 1993)
Jackie L. Daniel, North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (July 28, 1994)
Jason Shuping, Concord Police Department (Dec. 16, 2020)
The full Cabarrus County Law Enforcement Day ceremony is available on the county’s YouTube channel.