Honoring a ‘legacy of compassionate leadership’
Published on May 02, 2025
Beautiful skies and quiet reflection set the tone Friday morning as community members, law enforcement officers and local leaders gathered in downtown Concord for the 2025 Law Enforcement Day and Peace Officers Memorial.
The annual ceremony, held at the intersection of Corban Avenue and Church Street, served as a moment of remembrance and recognition for those who protect and serve.
A highlight of the morning was the presentation of the Robert J. Eury Award, the highest honor in local law enforcement. This year’s recipient, Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tessa Burchett, was recognized for her exceptional leadership, professionalism and deep-rooted compassion for her agency and the community.
“It is my great honor to present the Robert J. Eury Award to someone I truly respect and could not run the Sheriff’s Office without,” said Cabarrus County Sheriff Van Shaw.
With deep gratitude, Burchett stepped forward to accept the award. “Wow, I’m humbled,” she said. “Mostly because of all of you standing in front of me. To think that I’m deserving of this when I see the work that each and every one of you do every day."
As her family looked on with pride from afar, Burchett reflected on the power of collaboration. “We have such amazing partnerships in Cabarrus County,” she said. “We work seamlessly together, and I’m so blessed to be part of that.”
Her voice grew emotional as she continued, “And then at the end of the day I get to go home to my family, and there’s nothing that tops that. So, thank you for this honor.”
The crowd rose in applause as Burchett embraced her family and colleagues.
“Chief Burchett is the embodiment of public service through professionalism and integrity,” said Lieutenant Chris Smith. “She leads by example with kindness and compassion and sets a standard that inspires everyone around her.”
With a decades-spanning career, Burchett has left a profound mark on those who serve beside her. Colleagues praised her dedication to the physical and mental well-being of the Sheriff’s Office team, her leadership and her role as a mentor and friend.
“She genuinely cares for everyone, and that carries over into the services we provide to the community,” said Captain Joel Wallace.
“Her example has helped shape the kind of teammate, leader and person I strive to be,” added Sgt. C.A. Elwood. “Her legacy of compassionate leadership will leave a lasting impact on this agency and everyone fortunate enough to serve with her.”
Throughout her career, Chief Deputy Burchett has embodied the mission of the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office: Public Service through Professionalism and Integrity. Her ability to lead with empathy while holding firm to high standards continues to influence both her department and the broader law enforcement community.
During his keynote address, North Carolina Representative Dr. Grant Campbell offered a note of gratitude to those who bravely serve the community.
“Thank you to every man and woman who has worn the badge and been willing to write a check that included their own lives to make us all safe,” he said. “Thank you for doing it with professionalism and excellence.”
Following Campbell’s remarks, the ceremony included heartfelt tributes to fallen officers, including the laying of white roses, a 21-gun salute by the Kannapolis Police Department and a moving rendition of “Taps” by Kannapolis Police Department’s McKenzie Rogers.
Cabarrus County Fire Operations Chief Drew Barkley, accompanied by others, concluded the event with a powerful bagpipe performance of “Amazing Grace.”
Since 1899, eight officers have lost their lives in the line of duty while serving Cabarrus County:
William J. Kearns: Concord Police Department, September 2, 1899
Ralph Chandler Kennerly: Concord Police Department, October 20, 1920
William F. Propst: Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, November 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, December 31, 1993
Jackie L. Daniel: NC DMV, July 28, 1994
Jason Shuping: Concord Police Department, December 16, 2020
The 2025 ceremony served not only to honor their memory, but also to recognize the ongoing sacrifices made daily by law enforcement professionals across the region.
The 2025 Law Enforcement Day and Peace Officers Memorial will premiere on Cabarrus County Television (Spectrum Cable Channel 22) on Monday, May 5 at 9 p.m., with replays daily at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. The public can also watch the livestream of the ceremony on demand on the Facebook page for the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office (@CabarrusSheriff).
In recognition of Burchett’s honor, here’s what her colleagues had to say:
Captain Joel Wallace:
“Chief Burchett is an inspiration and has accomplished so much in her career. She always focuses on taking care of the employees of the Sheriff’s Office as her first priority. Whether it be training, working environment, work culture or employees’ overall well-being, she genuinely cares for everyone and that carries over to the services we provide to the community. We are fortunate to have Chief Burchett at the front of our Sheriff’s Office.”
Lt. Chris Smith:
“Chief Burchett is the embodiment of the Sheriff's Office's mission statement of “Public Service through Professionalism and Integrity.” She leads by example with kindness and compassion. She has dedicated herself to always bettering the agency, the community and her co-workers throughout her career. We are lucky to have Chief Burchett; she sets a fine professional and personal example that we can all learn from.”
Sgt. C. A. Elwood:
“Chief Burchett has been an influence and inspiration in my career since I began working at the Sheriff's Office in 2003. We both share a strong passion for physical fitness and have worked side by side implementing fitness programs, wellness training and physical testing for our agency. Her commitment to the well-being of our team, both physically and mentally, has always stood out to me.
For many years, Chief Burchett served as a dedicated member and respected leader of our Crisis Negotiations Team, which I’ve been part of since 2008. Through countless calls and trainings, I’ve seen her handle the most high-pressure situations with a calm, steady presence and a deep well of compassion. It’s in those moments, when lives hang in the balance, that her strength and grace have shined the brightest.
Beyond the uniform, we developed a close personal friendship. She’s someone who always made me feel seen and heard, no matter the chaos around us. She truly understands the weight of trying to balance the demands of family and a meaningful career, and she never hesitated to offer support, wisdom or simply a listening ear.
Chief Burchett’s leadership is rooted in empathy, integrity and a fierce commitment to those she serves. Her example has helped shape the kind of teammate, leader and person I strive to be. Her legacy of compassionate leadership will leave a lasting impact on this agency and everyone fortunate enough to serve with her.”
Lt. Ross A. Provost:
“It makes me glad to know Chief Deputy Tessa Burchett is the 2025 recipient of the Robert J. Eury Award. As this is the most prestigious honor in Cabarrus County law enforcement, it is only fitting that it is awarded to the best Chief Deputy anyone could ask for.
Chief Deputy Burchett sets the law enforcement community's highest leadership, professionalism, and service standards. She has built a reputation for leading with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to both her team and the citizens of Cabarrus County.
Her leadership approach reflects the Sheriff’s Office's core values and legacy of the award’s namesake. Chief Deputy Burchett continues to have a meaningful and lasting impact on the agency and the broader community through her steady guidance, open-mindedness, and dedication to public service.”
Captain K.M. Klinglesmith:
“Working with Chief Deputy Tessa Burchett has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time in administration. She has been a steady, dedicated presence within the agency. She is the kind of person who leads with integrity, shows up for others, and puts her heart into everything she does.
Beyond her professional impact, Tessa has become someone I deeply trust and admire. Whenever we are together, laughter is found somewhere in the conversation. She’s not only a valued colleague but also a close friend and confidant, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside her.”