Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I had the privilege of meeting your son, Deputy Mason Hardin with the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office. I am a Gang Detective with New Hanover. Your son shared his story with me not knowing we share a similar story. My mother, Lieutenant Monica Carey (Clayton Police Department), was also killed in the line of duty. She was killed by a drug dealer September 14, 2001. I was just a kid myself. I know what Mason has been through growing up without a parent. It's not an easy road. But I want you to know, Mason has turned into a fine young man and an amazing Deputy. He is so proud of you. It is an honor to work along side of your son.

Detective Justin Shingleton
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office

January 25, 2024

Wish we could’ve met. Everyone says how much Mason reminds them of you, so I can only imagine how great of a person you were. Just so happens my badge number is yours, but backwards. Funny how things work out like that, I know it wasn’t a coincidence. I know you’re looking out for us. Thinking of you and the family.

Officer Sherman
Wilmington Police Department

January 11, 2024

Its graduation day, I wish you could be be here for it. Love ya!

Deputy James Hardin
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office

April 27, 2023

15 years….15 years lost…15 years wasted without you. While speaking with Big Harold and Mel today, I wondered what we would be doing…having fun with the grandkids? Another NASCAR race? Falling into the creek and beating the s**t out of each other? Have a feeling the grandkids would trump all the other fun we had. I miss you, I will see you soon! I love you.

Unknown

January 11, 2022

I cannot believe it has been 15 years. 1/11/2007 is one of those days that everything about it gets etched into your mind and becomes apart of you. Much like 9/11 and learning about my Cancer in 2016, I remember everything about 1/11/07. Your morning speak, playing taxi for Toni Lynn, and the last words I heard you speak to me near the water fountain. A lot has changed in the last 15 years. One thing that hasn't, is how much you are missed bro.

MFMatt Jean
Spring Lake Police Department

January 11, 2022

Thinking of you today and every day. Miss you more each day. You are in my heart forever imprint as a stamp that can never be erased. Just listened to a song about a little girl who misses her daddy "how far is heaven". Just reminded me of Sam and mason when you left us. Miss you on this memorial day and always. Mom

Mel Hardin. Always momma

May 31, 2021

I saw your daughter at The Fresh Market the other day and couldn't help but smile. Wish we were fishing and talking about kids and grandkids. Miss ya buddy.

Lt. Matt Hurley
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office

December 1, 2020

Unbelievable and totally unfair that no charges were brought against the actions of the man that led to your death Sergeant Hardin, Rest in peace. He was charged with other crimes. Though, he should have been put in jail due to you losing your life in the line of duty.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 9, 2019

Thinking of you all the time. Still missing you but when I look at Mason I see you. His hugs are so like yours. He is so beautiful like you. I know I should say handsome but to mama you are always beautiful. always in my heart mama

mama mel
mom

September 18, 2016

So I am in DC again this year. First stop after Potbelly's is panel 48 west at the Memorial. Unfortunetly your name isn't on the bottom row anymore. Just wanted to stop by say hi and tell you that you are missed everyday bro. I have said it before but will say it again, you are one of the ones who made me the officer I am today. Love you bro.

Sgt. M. Jean
Hope Mills Police Department

May 14, 2015

Think of you. Miss you. Wish you could see your grandson. He is such a reflection of you. He looks at your pictures on our wall as if he recognizes you. Little James Heath is such a joy. Wish you could hold him. Watch over him as you have with Sam and Mason. In my heart forever.

mom
mom

March 30, 2015

Thinking of you a lot lately. I went and copied your name from the wall at the National Law Enforcement Memorial last week. I miss you greatly!!!

Carter

Special Agent
Department of the Treasury

January 11, 2015

WOW...I know you would be going crazy over baby Heath...he is beautiful. Sam & Kyle are going to be terrific parents and as your mama already said that little boy is going to be surrounded by people who love him. Don't worry he is going to know all about you ...there will be stories and pictures and he will know how much you love him even if it is from Heaven ....still missing you ....Rest in Peace ...

Traci Marley
Friend

October 29, 2014

Wish you could be here today. Sam and mason are like flowers blooming in the spring. Sam is getting more beautiful every day. Although she thinks she is getting to "fat" her words. But we keep telling her what a beartiful belly she has. Ltttle Heath is very busy. He is kicking and I think getting anxious to see those who keep hovering around him. He is blessed, he has two wonderful grandmothers and three great grandmothers, three great grandfathers. How much more blessed can one be. You have a son-in -law/ We are so proud of Kyle. He makes Sam smile. They are keeping papa and myself young. Would take nothing for the pleasure of watching them grow together. When they smile at each other it brings joy to my heart. I know you would be proud of them both. Kyle is working on the litttle heaths dresser. Your picture is on his bookcase. I,m getting long winded but just wanted to talk to you. Love you. You are alway looking at me from the gift you gave me long ago. Thank you. You are my heart. You did not leave us alone. You shine brightly in both Sam and Mason and soon in Little Heath. We could not be more proud of both Sam and Mason. Love you and miss you. Rest in peace.

Mamma Mel
Mom

August 21, 2014

Here we are 7 years later....so much has happened and so many people have changed and moved on. The one thing that remains is your memory and the lives of the people that you touched and changed! I miss talking to you and seeing you smile...your laugh would make anyone smile! It was nice when we had the 1st Guns n Hoses basketball game in honor of you and to raise money for the kids. You are so missed all these years later.

DaVina Baker
CCEOC Dispatcher

May 14, 2014

some days are better than others ...so many of us still get misty eyed when we talk about you and the many great memories that we all shared together ...you would be so proud of Sam & Mason .....continue to watch over them and the rest of us 2 ... <3

TM
A Friend

October 10, 2013

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Heath,

When I think about you… which is often, I think of these two verses. We know as we go through this journey called life we make impressions on other people… good and bad. Both make us grow as children of God. I just wish that you knew how many people that you touched while you were here on earth. I know that you see it now when you look down on us.

Not too long ago you caused a shopping trip. Well when you cannot find the right size shot glass and bottle for your honor toast it caused a problem. My husband did not mind at all because it… “HAS TO BE RIGHT TO HONOR MY BROTHER, MY FRIEND”! He misses you so much! I will tell you that his face still lights up when he talks about you.

You are missed by so many… and loved beyond measure!

Love you so much my friend!

A Friend

May 15, 2013

Everytime I read these reflections of you, a tear falls. It reminds me of what the world lost that day. I sat with you on Fields Road 6 years from the worst day of my life. You were beside me and I couldn't help you! Sometimes I feel so helpless.....

My Best Friend

January 15, 2013

Heath,
I think about you often and the fun we had as rookies together. Those are memories that I cherish and are stories that I tell often. It is hard to believe that today marks six years. I miss you tremendously.

Carter

January 11, 2013

Sgt. Hardin, though I never had the pleasure of officially meeting you or working with you I know you were not only a great officer but a great man. Ive heard so much about you and am proud to wear the same oval badge and patch of the Hope MIlls Police Department that you so proudly wore everyday. Thank you for all you did and your sacrfice.

FTO D. W. Rolland
Hope Mills Police Department

January 11, 2013

Dear Heath,
So another year has gone by and it still feels like yesterday. The smirk and laugh you gave me next to the water fountain, as you told me I couldn't go after D-Bag because I "caught that fish now you have to clean it" referring to the passenger. And then all the radio traffic, I remember a lot of talking, that was until Accairdo 10-3ed traffic. (That is our code for everyone needs to shut up and stay off the radio unless you have something to say, but it better be more important then what's going on). But then we start hearing radio traffic requesting the ambulance to hurry up, and where to meet. And here I am stuck at the PD feeling helpless, not knowing what's going on, but knowing that something is. Knowing that I could not do anything for whoever was hurt. I mean we all got into some pretty bad stuff before and we were always there for each other. Like the time Brooklyn was on vacation, and you, TT, and I were called to that house on Dove dr. Reference the fit with an injured subject in the house. We pulled up and you and TT were doing fine...........at first. You sent me in the house looking for the victim. Little did you you know that there were 40 people inside. But little did I know that the 40 people outside were wanting to whip you guys' ass. All I remember was relaying the victim's vitals to dispatch just before you asked for a bunch of deputies........NOW!!!!!! I remember you talked TT out of using the Taser on the that one chick, but one of you spray the crap out of her. And I think it was you because she pushed TT. All I know is after seconds of your request you could hear the blue wave coming our way, and let me tell you that gave me goose bumps. Turns out I didn't know many of those deputies (yet) but it didn't matter. They were coming to help family. I know I got a little off topic, but let me close with this. The day I got sworn in I became part of something much bigger then me. Law enforcement is bigger then ANY extended family you might have. On that day in June I not only got brothers and sisters, but I got an opportunity to work with and learn from some of the best officers. Thank you for everything. You will always be a part of my life. And until we meet again, take care brother.

Sgt. M. K. Jean
Hope Mills Police Department

January 10, 2013

Dear Heath,
My thoughts are always about you during this time of the year. The PD Christmas parties will never be the same! Most of the time I am just setting there thinking about the last time I saw your smiling face (December 2006)! You could always make me laugh and smile no matter what the situation.So much has changed since that day… all of our thoughts on life itself! You touched so many the years that you were here on this earth. My husband misses you so much! I promise you will never be forgotten! Of course you know that. When he visits you at your resting place it does his heart good to talk things over with you. Thanks for still being such a good friend!
Please keep watch over my husband, the other officers, the dispatchers and staff of the PD.
Love you lots!!

A Friend

December 31, 2012

Merry Christmas heath! We miss you and love you! Not a day goes by and you are not thought of.

a friend

December 24, 2012

Well , another Thanksgiving without you . I remember our last one together . Me and Lynn in the kitchen and you ...yes you , in the man room watching your tv. My tradition of cooking with cuss words ( per you ) as well as music continues . I'm still in charge of everything just like you know I had to be at Thanksgiving . All the love around our table this year . I know you were there . A special peace this year . Our parents together , your children , Aunt Patsy , all the grandkids , Chris . We miss you more than ever . Please continue to watch over us . Sending all our love to heaven .

Shelly
Wife

November 25, 2012

Hello Heath,
Well Thanksgiving is almost here and I just wanted to let you know that I am still thankful that I had the chance to know you and become a friend. I seen your mom and dad the other day and we spoke briefly about how I knew you. Well friend I will go for now... Please watch over us all

Jackie Williams
friend

November 20, 2012