Law Day 2026: A story behind every badge
Published on May 01, 2026
“We will never forget what they did to protect us.”
Those words, spoken by U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson, hung in the air for the sizeable crowd to consider. They were a perfect summation of why the group of law enforcement, local leaders and community members had gathered in downtown Concord.
They were there for reflection. And quiet gratitude.
Led by Cabarrus County Sheriff Van Shaw, the 2026 Law Enforcement Day and Peace Officers Memorial carried a sense of purpose from the beginning. Shaw acknowledged the many officials and agencies in attendance, but made it clear who the day honored.
“We want to thank the families of our officers that we honor and remember today,” he 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 a presentation of colors by the Concord Police Department, Shaw presented the Robert J. Eury Award.to Major Patrick Tierney of the Concord Police Department.
A lifelong Concord resident, Tierney has spent more than two decades serving the community across patrol, investigations, tactical operations and leadership. Now, as commander of the Administration Bureau, his career reflects experience and steady commitment.
But when he stepped to the podium, he didn’t focus on himself.
“Off the top of my head, I can think of over a dozen people who are more deserving of this award than I am,” he said. “I’m related to two of them. So to be getting this award ... it’s kind of surreal.”
Law Day has always been special to him. In nearly three decades, he only missed the ceremony twice, he said.
“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.”
Keynote speaker Ferguson, who serves as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, carried that message into his remarks.
“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 challenged those in attendance to show 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.”
He closed with a message directly to law enforcement.
“As a representative of the United States Department of Justice, I want you to know we have your back, and you have our thanks.”
During the white rose ceremony, Kannapolis Police Chief Terry Spry read aloud the names of Cabarrus County fallen officers.
One by one, family members stepped forward and placed a single white rose at the Peace Officers Memorial. Each step a quiet act of remembrance; each rose a symbol of a life not forgotten.
A 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps” by the Kannapolis Police Department followed.
The ceremony closed with “Amazing Grace,” performed by members of Concord Fire Services, bringing the morning to a reverent close.
Following the ceremony, attendees chatted. They hugged. They smiled for photos. Clearly, the message of the day resonated.
Behind every badge is a story. And on this day, those stories of service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment were fully honored.
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 full 2026 Cabarrus County Law Enforcement ceremony can be viewed on the Cabarrus County YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@CabarrusCounty