Community Remembers Slain Officer On Would-Be Birthday

A community in North Carolina is grieving after the loss of one its young police officers last week. Officer Tyler Herndon had been with the department less than two years when he was killed in the line of duty on Friday (December 11). He would have turned 26 on Sunday.

Candlelight vigils were held in Mount Holly and Herndon's hometown of Kings Mountain on Sunday to honor the fallen officer on his birthday. His father, Mark Herndon, spoke at both vigils to thank the communities for their "overwhelming" love and support following the death of his son.

"I love him. I'm proud of him," said Herndon. "And this right here is the reason he loved this job. He loved Mount Holly. He loved the Mount Holly Police Department."

A memorial was set up outside the Mount Holly Police Department, with blue lights, banners, thank you notes and supportive messages, as well as balloons to celebrate the birthday that was taken from him. Though he was on the force for less than two years, Officer Herndon made an impact.

"I've been along for a long time and one of the things I can do is read potential in young police officers, and Tyler had that potential," said Mount Holly Police Chief Don Roper.

Roper said all law enforcement understand the risks when on the job, even Herndon, but, "he was willing to accept those risks to serve this community and the people and citizens that he loves."

A funeral service for Herndon will be held Tuesday (December 15) at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Kings Mountain. Anyone attending are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing.