Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My father was found dead by his brother (my uncle). I drove 20 miles to my fathers home. A detective and Officer Jerry Best were there. Officer Best met me at the door..and with compassion said, "Jerry your father is dead, have you been notified." ... He allowed me to come in and see my father and if I remember correctly he told me he was sorry. I have always remembered Officer best. He died 20 years after my father had passed, but I never forgot him. It has now been 41 years since my father passed and I recently told some instructors about Officer Best when I was in a course regarding officer safety. I hope the family knows how much of an impact he still makes. Best wishes to all of you....

Jerry P.
Met him once and impacted my life forever.....

June 30, 2023

Captain Jerry Kenneth Best will never ever be forgotten.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

August 2, 2022

I miss you so much, my friend!

Terri Montague Moody
Wayne County Sheriff’s Office

September 30, 2020

Rest in peace Captain Best.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 2, 2019

Jerry, you were a good friend a great officer I think about you often and remember the good times

CMSgt Bob Forsythe
USAF/SF

December 6, 2014

Continue to be proud of you and humbled by the many people that still post on your behalf and what you represented to your community, nation, and your profession. You are thought of every day.

DB

DB
Wife

June 8, 2014

Another summer at the beach begins without you and Lawman's Lady. It's been ten years this fall since I have seen your face, yet you are still and will always be in my heart. Miss you terribly.

Officer Cat McCauley
Anonymous

May 29, 2012

Our family continues to thank those of you that remember Jerry with your postings.

Capt. Jerry K. Best Family

January 19, 2012

Our family continues to thank those of you that remember Jerry with your postings.

Capt. Jerry K. Best Family

January 19, 2012

I still think about Jerry he was bigger than life to me. He is the one who got me interested in Law Enforcement. My stint with Law Enforcement was brief but has made me a better person. Not everyone is cut out for work it takes a special person like Jerry who loved his work. Bless you, I know you are looking down on us all as we look up to see you. Wayne County will never be quiet the same same. Thank you for your years of service and protection.

James Tucker
Friend

January 12, 2012

Jerry, I never knew you personally but I want to thank you for the courage you displayed in the Terence Garner trial back in 2001. In my seminary I have taught this story as an important case of injustice that was corrected by people committed to the truth in law enforcement and every time I watch the documentary that details the facts of the case I am deeply thankful that men like you wear the badge. It was with great sorrow that I read the account of your death not long after Garner was released. Know that your integrity and compassion live on in that story and my students learn much from what you did back then. My only regret is that I was not able to thank you in person. May you ever rest in peace.
Jason Bembry

Dr. Jason Bembry
Emmanuel Christian Seminary

September 29, 2011

The flag at school is flying at half mast today to remember JKB and all of the other fallen officers.

DMB

DMB
Wife

May 16, 2011

Jerry its been a long time to long for all my life you were like a father to me, I find myself wanting to call and ask you what should i do then i remember your not gonna answer so i pray for the wright answer. I will always remember you always said you are the strongest hard headest girl i know follow your heart it will always lead you but be smart. I love you just as much today as the day we lost you i miss you so much as i know a lot of people do I know your watching over me and your always on my shoulder telling me the rite thing for me......... And thanks for all the ice cream when i was growing up you are the sweetest most loving man i have ever known ...... I am so glad we talked that very morning but if i would have known that would have been the last time there is so much more i would have said...... Thanks for everything you ever did it made me who i am today..... Mrs.Donna i love you and miss seeing you and i know you still deeply miss him he was a wonderful man and a wonderful Sheriff the fairest I ever met.......

wendy
friend

December 30, 2010

Another year has passed, but you are missed no less. Your memory will stay deep within my heart until we shall meet again. Rest in Peace, dear friend.

Cat

Anonymous

November 15, 2010

Dear Jerry, Remembering you on this day...seven years have come and gone, but you will always be with us. Rest in peace, dear friend.

Rob and Cat

Anonymous

November 13, 2009

As the 7th year approaches, I still find it hard to believe that you will not be coming through that door many days. You are still my hero....

DMB
Family

September 15, 2009

You were more than a friend and you are missed everyday! You were an inspiration to me. You were a gentle giant! With sparkling eyes. You have been gone 7 years now. It is still like a bad dream to all who loved you!

Jessie's girl

August 20, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this sixth anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

November 13, 2008

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service.

nc game warden

April 20, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 31, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

vandenberghe
manchester, nh

November 28, 2007

~Never forgotten. God Bless your family. Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

November 13, 2007

Four years have passed and you have not been forgotten nor will that ever be the case as your loved ones will keep your memory alive as will the Blue Family. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

November 13, 2006

To the family and friends of Captain Jerry Best, his fellow officers, and most especially to Captain Jerry Best:

On this the third anniversary of your tragic murder, please know that you are not forgotten. Your valor and dedication are still remembered and your memory honored. Rest in Peace, Captain Best.

My son Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Dept. was fatally shot during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers on April 23, 2005. As Larry and I were North Carolina natives and still have a lot of family there, it always hits me close to home when I read of a fallen Carolina officer.

May your family continue to be comforted by their law enforcement family, and other police survivors.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Captain Best gave to his community, and the citizens of North Carolina, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on November 13, 2002.

Phyllis Loya, mother of Larry Lasater
Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

November 13, 2005

Captain Best,
I was watching American Justice on T.V. tonight and was surprised to see the case was the Wayne & Johnston County areas. I grew up in Eastern N.C. so I decided to watch it. When I saw your name on the show, it sounded so familiar. I couldn't place it right away but knew it was either through my brother (previous Sheriff in Tyrrell County) or ODMP. At the end of the show, your name was shown on the side with 2 different years shown. I knew then...you had been killed in the line of duty. You died a little over a year after my first husband was also killed in the line of duty after being struck by a tractor trailer. I remember reading about your death and how sad that you were trying to help stop an innocent animal from sufferering and then being left in the road. I know that you & Calvin have met in heaven by now and shared stories about Eastern N.C. My heart goes out to your family & friends. God bless you Captain!

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin Taylor

May 5, 2005