Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We have never forgotten. We never will.

Lt. Matt Hurley
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office

September 25, 2022

Cpl. Hathcock,
On today, the 25th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Cumberland County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 23, 2022

Because of this meaningless act of violence, my son Elijah Hathcock never got to meet his grandpa David Hathcock. He was born in 2001. Getting to know the wonderful family he left behind: Barbara, Phillip, Daniel, Kevin, Skylar and Logan.... it wasnt hard to visualize what kind of man he was. He loved his career and loved taking care of his family. Rest in Peace Mr. Hathcock.

Elijah David Walter Hathcock
Grandson

December 7, 2021

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 23, 2020

Corporal David Walter Hathcock will never ever be forgotten. May his soul forever rest in Heaven, and may God bless his family.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired
New York State Police

October 17, 2018

wow..as a lifetime police officer, my heart goes out. Thank you for your sacrifice... I'm with you brother

Chuck Hannah, Sergeant
Virginia and Indiana

December 30, 2016

I visited your place of honor on the wall this past week. Keep watching over us. Your service and memory will never be forgotten!

ASAC FAMS
DHS/FAMS and former CCSO

May 18, 2014

We haven't forgotten your sacrifice nor will we ever. I salute you each time I pass the mm.

Lt. Hurley
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office

September 29, 2013

I love you grandpa. Your selfless devotion to the greater good and your teachings of humility have guided me on my path to manhood. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten and I know that you have your hand on my shoulder as I live a life well blessed. I just finished explaining to your great grandchildren the noble and honorable life you lived and the tragic circumstance with which it was ended. We all shed a tear when they said "We wish we could hug him." They are still young so they didn't quite understand when I explained to them that you hug them daily. Thank you for continuing your watch over my girls and know that you are thought of often. So until the day I am able to shake your hand, and look you in the eye to say it. I love you

Joshua David Hathcock
Proud Grandson of one of the greatest men that ever lived.

June 4, 2013

I am glad to see the frustration others have with the fact that their murderers have both had their sentences reduced to life. At age 17/18, you KNOW BETTER. You KNOW. And juries know the difference between racial hatred and true guilt. So to have sentences reduced is an insult.
His murder shook my husband hard. However, I know he is watching over my family, protecting us, helping us through the hard times.
Those with memories, thank you for sharing them. It helps me to better know the wonderful man that my husband's grandpa was.

S Hathcock

May 8, 2013

AS A YOUNG SCARED DUPUTY SHERIFF ASSIGNED TO THE 0LD CUMBERLAN COUNTY E PLATOON...I HAD THE OPPURTUNITY TO WORK AND BE TRAINED ON THE ROAD AND AS A CIVIL SERVER BY DAVID HATHCOCK,HE WAS A MAN OF MEANING AND TOLD ONLY THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE AND ANY OTHER THING. I REMEMEBER HE WOULD DRIVE ARUOND AND STOP AND WE WOULD TALK TO ERVERY-ONE. WE WOULD GO TO THE BACK OF GRAYS CREEK CHURCH AND MEET R FLEMMING AND EAT GRAPES OFF THE GRAPE VINES. DAVID WAS A GREAT DEDICATED DEPUTY WHO LOVED LIFE AND THE CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE.

NORTH CAROLINA STAE TROOPER ED LOWERY, WAS MAN OF SELF LIFE AND INTRGRETY..HE WAS THE SHERIFFS OFFICE BACK UP WHEN NEEDED. HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND AND HE LOVED HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. MANY OF TIME HE WAOULD CALL ME AFTER I WAS ASSINGED TO THE EAST SIDE OF THE COUNTY TO MEET HIM AT DIXIE BOY TRUCK STOP AND WE WOULD EAT AND TELL STORIES OF OUR JOB. HE WAS AN INTREESTING PERSON WITH A GREAT SOUL AND EDUCATED STANCE IN LIFE.

I WAS ON DUTY IN HOKE COUNTY AS A DETECTIVE ON SEPT 23 1997 WHEN THIS CALL CAME OUT..AND MY WIFE WAS ON DUTY IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY / OFFICER DOWN 10-18...MY BLOOD RAN COLD AND THEN THE RADIO CHATTERED THE CHASE AND ARREST. MAY GOD REST THEIR SOULS REST IN PEACE MY DEAR FRIENDS AND BROTHERS IN LAWENFORCEMENT..
DAVID HATHCOCK AND EDWARD LOWERY

DET. CAPTAIN / ASST POLICE CHEIF J.C. B
ROSEBORO POLICE DEPT.

February 27, 2013

To Corporal Hathcock's family: I can't imagine your loss, but I express my gratitude for your husband's/father's service to Cumberland County and it's citizens, and acknowledge his sacrifice. I understand that his wife passed away a few years ago. I can only imagine that joyous reunion!

The above article mentions the passerby who was fired upon by the suspects. He passed away a few years later of cancer, and I am married to his widow. By all accounts, he was a good man, too...... (Linda would be interested in knowing how your family is doing.

Shane A. Leiser
US Air Force (retired)

February 22, 2013

Just found this page by my father showing me,I am terriably sorry for what happen to you grandpa.I never met you i was born a year later.What I hear about you,your a great man and you would have been a geat grandfather.what those men did to you is horrible and justice was not seved correctly at all.I love you grandpa and I miss you dearly I wish I would've met you but your still in my heart
R.I.P Grandpa

Courtney Hathcock
Grand-daughter

December 19, 2012

This is a travesty to the members of the families of the Officers. These two offenders had no remorse in the deaths shown by there actions of execution. A sad outcome for the Law enforcement community. My prayers to the Officers family.

S/Lt. Chris Cessna
Delaware D.O.C.

December 14, 2012

it isn't enough that this tragedy ends with the deaths of two veteran law enforcement officers. the justice system then kicks their graves and memories by allowing both to continue to live while families grieve and are reminded of their deaths.

God Bless both of you for your selfless sacrifice

J Shultz
former police officer

December 14, 2012

David, I'm so sorry the justice system has let you down. First one Golphin, and now the other has had their sentences commuted to life. They say that racism played a role in the death sentence. I don't believe that's the case. I believe the jury saw the same pictures I did, and heard the same 911 tapes I did. They learned what a great guy you were, and realized that everyone that met you had been robbed of having you in their life. You should be retired now living the sweet life. I really wish you were. God bless you and your family.

Master Trooper
North Carolina State Highway Patrol

December 14, 2012

May God continue to bles your family, friends and department. Thank you for serving your community and our Nation.

Officer
Chesterfield County, Va.

September 23, 2010

Shannon, the selfless sacrifice made by your grandpa and Sergeant Lowry will NEVER be forgotten. This was an awful tragedy and crime of unbelievable proportion. We continue to grieve with you, especially when new names are added to this website.

Their deaths were not in vain, we still try to learn whatever we can from them, we still think of them, and we still remember them. Even newer officers like myself who were in high school when this took place are still aware. I have never posted to either reflection page before, but I have always been aware of what took place since I first started in law enforcement.

May God bless you and your family.

Deputy Sheriff CJ Rusk
Dare County Sheriff's Office (NC)

December 18, 2009

Though I never knew him, he was part of my Law Enforcement family and I will mourn this deep loss the rest of my life. My heart aches with all the losses we have suffered, and continue to suffer, through the years. God is our only peace in such incidents & our only real comfort comes from Him. May His strength, comfort & peace continue to be the sustaining force in the lives of all who knew this beloved officer; and may it somehow help to know they do not grieve alone.

Vicki Hare, Telecommunicator
Salisbury NC PD

October 7, 2009

The funeral line was long, There's an awful lot of cars, Folks came out of the restaurants, They came out of the bars.
The workers at the construction sites All let their hammers drop. Someone asked. "What is this all for?" And they said, "Aw, just a cop."
Some chuckled at the passing cars. Some shed a silent tear Some people said, "It's stupid," "all these dumb policemen here."
"How come they are not out fighting crime?" "Or in a doughnut shop?" Sure is a lot of trouble, For someone who's just a cop."
They blocked the intersections, They blocked the interstate. People yelled and cursed, "Damn, it's gonna make me late!"
"This is really ridiculous!" "They're makin' us all stop!" "It seems they are sure wastin' time, On someone who's just a cop."
Into the cemetery now, The slow procession comes, The woeful Taps are slowly played. There's loud salutes from guns.
The graveyard workers shake their heads "This service is a flop." "There's lots of good words wasted, On someone who's just a cop"
Yeah, just a cop to most folks. Did his duty every day. Trying to protect us, Till they took his life away.
And when he got to heaven, St. Peter put him at the top. An angel asked him, "Who was that?" And he said, "Aw, just a cop."
His Judgment Day:
The officer stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shinning, Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, Officer, How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek To my church have you been true?"
The officer squared his shoulder and said, "No, Lord, I guess I aint, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was rough, And sometimes I've been violent Because the streets are tough.
But I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep.. Though I worked a lot of overtime, when the bills got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept an unmanly tear.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't...I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod. As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell"

May God be with everyone!!!!!!!!!

Motor officer Terry Pauley
Plano PD Plano,TX

April 16, 2009

I just found this page and thought i would give my blessings as well...God bless you Grandpa. Your're in such a great place and we miss you.
I also wanted to say thank you to those leaving messages on here. I had no clue people kept up with his death and anniversary for so long. To see it continue up to 2008 brings such joy to my heart. thank you and God bless all!!

Shannon Hathcock
Grand-daughter

March 19, 2009

Corporal Hathcock your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

October 16, 2008

On the 11th anniversary of your EOW, time has not diminished your service nor
sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

September 24, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former Police Officer
(DHPD)

September 23, 2008

May his good memories and his ultimate sacrifice never be forgotten. Thank you for what you did, Cpl. Hathcock. We will always remember you.

Anonymous

August 12, 2008