Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

On angels ...
"The wings ain't nothing but a uniform, that's all. When they're in the field so to speak, they always wear them."
Taken from Tom Sawyer

Ernie,
You're not forgotten ...

January 6, 2005

Well today makes 5 years that you were taken from us, it seems a life time. Today as I go to work on the night shift you will be on my mind, I know that you are in a better place, but that doesn't stop me from missing you. I think of you often, please watch over us on our tour, everyone says hello, your friends at KPD.

PRESTON ELLIS
KINSTON POLICE DEPT.

January 2, 2005

IT IS NEW YEARS EVE AND I CAN,T STOP THINKING ABOUT A GREAT NEPHEW THAT MEANT SO MUCH AND MADE SUCH AN IMPACT ON SO MANY PEOPLE,I WILL NOT FORGET THE MOMENT THAT I FOUND OUT ABOUT YOUR ACCIDENT OR THE MOMENT THAT THE MINISTER TALKED ABOUT HIS NEED TO TIP HIS HAT TO AN OFFICER, TO THIS DAY WHEN I SEE AN OFFICER I WAVE OR TIP MY HAT AS A SIGN OF RESPECT FOR WHAT YOU DID AND SO MANY OFFICERS DO FOR US TODAY. YOU WILL , ALWAYS BE IN OUR PRAYERS ,AND I WILL ALWAYS TIP MY HAT WHEN I SEE ONE OF YOUR BROTHERS REST IN PEACE NEPHEW. UNCLE RAY

RAY JEFFERSON
UNCLE

December 31, 2004

Ernie and myself were hired at the same time with the Kinston Police Department. We lived 1/2 block away from each other and were very good friends. Ernies death was a great loss to us all and to the LEO community. Ernie was an excellent officer and will be missed by all.

Detective Aaron Davidson
Edenton Police Department

November 24, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 5, 2004

I think of you often, and I remember the kindness that you had shown to me. We only worked together for about six months, but you earned my respect in a short time. I wish that I could have had more time to get to know you, I miss you. K35

Officer Preston Ellis
Kinston P.D.

January 10, 2004

I can't believe it's been 4 years already since you left us. I still remember the absolute shock I felt that night while working with Kinston PD. I kept telling myself you were going to be alright, that it couldn't have been that bad of a wreck, and was I ever wrong. I remember "Tiny" coming in to work that morning at Kinston PD with that blank look on his face. The PD wouldn't even let him have off from work, and he was Ernie's roomate. That mentality of the Administration is why Ernie, and many others, left Kinston PD, and I didn't blame him. I'm sorry for not being able to attend your funeral; WE WERE NOT ALLOWED. The PD would not let any of us off to go but all of our hearts were there. I had fun hanging out with you Ernie, going to Greenville, or just watching movies. I'm sorry this had to happen to you, and my heart goes out to your family and your wonderful mother Brenda. Take care my friend, I'll never forget you.

Your former B-Shift Brother

Anonymous

December 17, 2003

To the family of my fallen comrade,

My name is Christopher M. Hess and I am a volunteer public relations specialist with the National Association of Police Organizations in Washington, DC. I am also the son of a 24-year veteran of the Easton, Pennsylvania Police Department. It is with great sadness and grief that I learn of the death of your love one. Whenever a brother or sister falls in the line of duty, it always has a profound and lasting effect on me.

Although my father was and “inside” officer for his last 14 years of service, I often feared for not only his safety, but also for the men and women who serve along side of him. Being a police officer in this day and age is the most difficult job out there.  Your loved one has paid the ultimate price protecting the citizens of your community as well as the entire country from those who have now regard for humanity.  Please know that there are many other people who are sharing in your pain and grief at this very moment, for when one of our own pays the ultimate price, a little bit of us passes with them. Your loved one is a hero who will never be forgotten. I realize that the pain and grief may seem too great to handle, but feel comforted by knowing that is an extended family out here who support you and are praying for your comfort, safety, and well being. Your family will always be in my family’s mind and prayers. We wish you peace in handling the rough times ahead. May God grant you a speedy closure.

Respectfully yours,

Christopher M. Hess
NAPO

Your birthday, September 17th, came and I was unprepared for all the memories and emotions that came over me.  It is so hard to realize that you are not walking on earth with us anymore, but that you have gone to heaven and are doing heavenly things now.  I'm sure your Uncle Thomas welcomed you with loving arms and told you how proud he was to see what a fine young man that "Little Ernie" had become.  Steve, Rory, Zach, and I miss you so much.  We miss seeing your handsome face, hearing your accounts of your work days as an officer, your stories and your wit, and your "comments to Mama Liza" as you would walk across the living room in front of her and smile (knowing she couldn't hear you).  You certainly livened up the place.  I remember like it was yesterday the time you and Jimmie just showed up in our driveway.  We were so thrilled that you would take the time to stop and see us.  You were on your way back home after your competition in Virginia and just thought you'd stop and say Hi.  Your visits were always a joy!  And, I remember last year when Steve and I drove up to Pilot Mt. but arrived too late to see you and Jimmie compete.  But, we caught up with you guys at the closest fast food place and you both gave us the rundown on the competition.  You guys had won 1st and 2nd place.  Then your Mom, Dad, and William showed up.  William had been in a weight lifting competition in another city and had a trophy too.  It was so great to see each of my 3 nephews so happy and excited over what the others had done that day.  Your Mom and Dad were so thrilled for each of you, and we were so happy to have been included in your experiences and joy.  You are part of a wonderful family.  Ernie, we have loved you from the moment we first laid eyes on you, and we will always love you.

Aunt Connie and Uncle Steve

Connie Hull Parks

I met Ernie Hull just two or three weeks before he passed away.

Ernie was dating my best friend Delisa Corbett.

She had brought him to Harnett County to meet her parents and I came over to see her and there he was.

The minute I saw him I knew he was perfect for her.

The love they felt for each other radiated in the room.  Delisa told me that night that she had finally found her soulmate and that she saw her children in his eyes when she looked at him.  I know that sounds "cheesy" but Delisa never wanted to have children before.  The purity of their love was like no other I've ever none and so deep in such a short time.
Little did I or anyone else know that in a few short days this person would no longer be with us and would change the way I view "family" forever.

I met him only that one time.  The one thing I remember most was us watching "A Few Good Men" that night and him reciting the heated courtroom scene without missing a note.  He loved that movie.

When I received the phone call from Delisa the morning of January 2nd at 4:30 am, she was frantic and could hardly speak.  She said "Ernie has been in a bad wreck".  At first I thought she was kidding and I asked her so.  But the intensity in her voice told me that not only was it true but that it was worse than that.  She said he had died.  When we hung up the phone, I immediately called her parents and they had already heard from her and I got dressed and went over.  So quietly we drove the 1 1/2 hour trek to Ernie's parents house.  To say the least it was a devastating site.

That day I experienced the "HUXTABLE" lifestyle to it's fullest.  My idea of the "perfect" family was in the Hull's even in the worst of situations they had ever experienced.

Never before had I felt such love amongst family before....

Throughout the duration of the day I heard so many wonderful things about a young man I had only met once.  He was dedicated to his family,dojo and sheriff's department. Everything he did was in a direct or indirect way to help make life better for his family. That was the feeling amongst everyone of the family members I encountered that day.  They defined the word "tight".

The day of the funeral was a reflection on good times and the memories he had left.  But the one thing I will never forget about his family in their time of absolute grief was the arrangement of family in the family cars.

Everyone was standing silently outside the house while the funeral directors were preparing the cars.  Brenda, (Ernie's mom) came over to Delisa and asked her to ride in the family car with her,her husband,sons and daughter.  THAT BLEW MY MIND!!!!  At the lowest point in Mrs. Hull's mind she took time to recognize Delisa as being not only Ernie's girlfriend but in Ernie's own words, "my future wife."   And you know what, Ernie's words were good enough for the Hull family.  They trusted their son's words even after life had left his body.  Wow!!  So, Delisa rode on with them.

The funeral was beautiful and the eulogy's were absolutely heart wrenching.  He was loved by so many people and I felt the church swell with the admiration that was felt for him.

Dignity,honor,love and family was the legacy Ernie left for me to ponder for the rest of my life.

Now only 8 short months after his death I am still remembering things I heard about him.  Some of those things were hilarious,too!!!  He was a special person from a special family and gave his heart to a special woman.  For that I am thankful.  Delisa will never fully get over him but will treasure each and every day they spent together.

I have since wondered why God would allow such wonderful people to suffer.  I have since wondered why God would take such a wonderful man home with him at an early age.  But since I lost a brother when he was 14 years old, I can honestly say that God never makes mistakes and has a perfect plan for each of us.  Some people are just so good that God had to have them back with him.  Death touches everyone of us and will soon take us.  But the legacy you leave is for a lifetime.......

Thank you Ernie for the life you lead, the legacy you left and the fingerprint you have left in all our futures.  My prayer is that we will never forget who you were.

To the Hull family:

I have been a daughter,mother and sister.  I lost my brother and turned my grief to anger.  But when I finally realized that God's plan is perfect, even though it did not seem so at the time, I finally let Jason go.  Next to my two children I have never been that close to anyone.
Now I revel in the wonderful memories I have of chasing Jason around the bed trying to get him to smell my feet...But that is one of my memories. 

Until we meet again, my thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope that in some way I can raise my children the way you have raised yours.  My hats off to the best parents I have ever known.  God bless you....Vanessa

Vanessa Amick

I only knew Ernie through the memories of others, and still Ernie has managed to change my life.

Fiona M. Lancaster

I still remember the first day you were in training with me as your training officer at the Kinston Police Department. We had some good times together and I was sorry to see you leave. I hope your family finds peace in the knowledge that you died serving your fellow citizens. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers and I will see you on patrol when I join you in heaven.

Anonymous

It seems like only yesterday I would see you out in your academy uniform giving me a wave as I got into my patrol car to go to work as you went to the academy. While we never worked directly together I feel that you are part of our Sheriff's department family. May God bless you and your family in this time of loss. You went 10-42 far too early but we will be here to continue the mission as you watch over us.

Deputy Daryl Turner
Lenoir County Sheriff Department

I was impressed by Ernie the first time I met him.I could tell that he had an inner drive that would allow him to accomplish anything that he set his mind to. I knew that he was special to me but I didn't know how special he was to so many other people until too late. I wish I had more time to know him and regret missed opportunities. I'll make up for lost time when I see him again. I love you Ernie.

Jerry Read

Ernie touched a lot of lives during his short walk on this earth. He made friends everywhere he went. He was honored so highly at his funeral. Looking at your child lying in his casket is the hardest thing a parent will ever experience. There is nothing any harder. Time will allow us to cope with Ernie's death, but we will never be healed from this tragedy.Our friends and family continue to try to help us through this devastating loss. Sharing memories of Ernie is so helpful to us. Ernie will always be alive in my heart and my memories. I will grieve for my son until I take my last breath. "I LOVE YOU SON."

Mama

Brenda Hull

To me it was like yesterday I pinned your badge on before you walked out the door to serve and protect. I will never let them forget your love, pride and dedication to Law Enforcement and the HERO that you truely are. I thank God everyday for allowing me to be a part of your life even for only a short time. To us it will always be an eternity. You are my soulmate, my love, and best friend. We will never forget.

Delisa Corbett

Ernie I had known since just a small little mischeivious boy. He was the son of one of the dearest friends I shall ever have. His mother & I worked together for several years at a nursing home in the small city of near 50 thousand. Thinking back I can see him as he would try every "nerve" in his mothers body. He was destined to be a keeper. As the years passed Ernie was slowly growing into a very loving & caring young man who loved his family. Not only did Ernie love his family, he loved life itself and felt his place, although short as it was, was intended to care for his fellow man. He was always so full of life, so too speak & had a heart of compassion for those who were less fortunate than himself. Ernie as a youngster could fringe your last nerve. He was a doer, so too speak. Ernie believed in family, friends & he is sorely missed by all he touched in his so short of a life span on this earth. But there is no doubt that he wears a BADGE OF GOLD now. I feel that even in Heaven Ernie is keeping the Angels laughing. Ernie was what happiness and humor truly stands for. God Bless his family with each day that passes. For one day we too will take the same journey. Perhaps not the same way but we will see you again Ernie. By the way Ernie.....are you slamming those doors that are a part of the Mansions that God Himself prepared. Somehow I feel you are. So until I see you & I will....keep the doors slamming to & fro. Your adopted, aunt Shirley

loving friend,Shirley J. Strickland

Your birthday has passed and I realize that it has been almost three years since your death. So many things have changed, but one continues to stay the same.....we all still miss you and love you. Your memory is all we have left and the pictures that we can look at and reflect upon. Sometimes it just doesn't seem fair to not have you around when you were such a impact on so many people's lives. Ernie, a piece of me left the day that you died, but your memory has been the driving force that has enabled me to accomplish the things in my life that I have. I will never forget you nor what you taught me. I love you.
Three times infinity......

Officer Delisa Corbett
Walnut Creek Police Department

Ernie was a officer that was always there to help the citizens that he served. He was a good friend and partner that you could always count on. He always had a good laugh to begin the shift.

I only hope that his family can find peace in his cause to protect and serve.

I know that Ernie is working a beat on those golden streets in heaven and doing so proudly...

God bless Ernie and the Family ..

Lt. Doug Stocks
Greene County Sheriff Department