Wake County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina
End of Watch Thursday, August 11, 2022
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Ned P. Byrd
I miss ya, buddy. God speed.
Anonymous
Wake SO
August 11, 2023
Ned P. Byrd to me-
Ned is my cousin by blood but truly was my brother at heart. Like many people who have had the privilege to connect with Ned and be apart of his life I’m sure you would say he was a brother to you too.
Those of you who don’t really know me, you might have heard stories about Ned and I growing up together or at times being inseparable.
A few of my favorite memories;
Ned and I used to rollerblade from queens nyc to Brooklyn, then into Manhattan, and back to queens, Ned introduced me into weight lifting at 14 years old. He used to compete as a power lifter in NY
And would pay the manager of the gym extra money to let me lift weights with him. I could remember how proud Ned was of me when I benched my first set of 45lb plates. Ned said to me “look around, you just lifted your body weight, half the people in this gym can’t do that and they’re grown men as he chuckled”. He helped keep me out of trouble and going down the wrong path in NYC. Ned made me confident and always said “don’t take sh!4 from nobody but try to do the right thing”.
Growing up Ned was my best friend. We played basketball, football, lifted weights, handball, rollerbladed, and hung out with friends and family a lot- oh all while he always had a full time job too. Don’t know if he ever slept besides those cat naps he would take on the couch here and there.
We have had so many great times together-memories I will cherish forever.
Ned is the definition of what a true-Genuine man hopes or inspires to be one day. You could always count on Ned to be there for you whenever and wherever you needed him, he is the guy who would give you his last dollar or the shirt off his back without thinking twice. Ned is the man who try’s to solve any issues or problems you might have. He would put anyone before himself no matter what. When I try to think of one word to describe my brother Ned… I just can’t, and if you truly know Ned I’m sure I’m not the only one. Ned was funny, serious, protective, big hearted, selfless, loving, sensitive at times- yet still would be the shoulder to cry on or lean on, neat, punctual-when he wanted to be, forgiving, big teddy bear with a temper you don’t want to see(Byrd Temper), fierce competitor, protector, coach, un-political, easy to get along with, quiet-until you get to know him, adventurist, pure athlete, always up for a challenge, not a good liar- starts smiling or chuckles, got jokes at times, family guy, passionate, disciplined, courageous, a leader, “the”role model, Leader, Goal setter and goal breaker, real, and most importantly my Hero and #1 role model. I wouldn’t be here today without Neds guidance.
As a matter a fact I don’t think I can think of one person that has met Ned and can say they didn’t like him.
It hurts me so bad to know that he has been taken from me- us in the way he was.
I would say to the person or persons who did this cowardly act- you have made the biggest mistake of your life and we all will not rest until you turn yourself in. There is nowhere for you to hide!
To all the very very very lucky people in the world that have had the privilege and pleasure to meet one of the most amazing men to ever walk this earth- all I have to say to you is remember what Ned stands for and who he was, continue his legacy, keep those wonderful memories close and never forget my brother Ned. Love you forever brother!!!! Rest In Peace, I will never forget everything you have done for me and my family!
Break some more records in Heaven Ned! We’ll all be there together again one day competing against each other and having a great time!!!
Rich Rodriguez
July 21, 2023
Father, we ask thy Blessing on the eternal soul of this thy servant Deputy Ned P. Byrd. Bless and care for his family and his K-9 Partner. Ease their sorrow. This we ask in thy Holy name, Amen.
George E. Martin, Sr.
Chaplain
October 20, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Deputy Sheriff Ned Byrd. I am so very sorry for your great loss. The service and sacrifice of Deputy Byrd to this nation and the people of North Carolina will not be forgotten.
Deborah C.
Wife, Mother, Aunt of LEOs
Maryland
September 12, 2022
Deputy Byrd,
Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.
Det. Russ Cain
Pittsburgh PD
September 2, 2022
The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.
There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.
Author Unknown
"Aim High...Fly-Fight Win"
Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
September 1, 2022
I am so sorry that you lost your life. This should be a reminder that we should always let dispatcher know when you arrive at your destination. RIP my Brother and maybe one day we will patrol the streets of Heaven together.
Motor Officer Jim Bragg
Greenville City Police Dept.
August 23, 2022
Rest In Peace brother. We got it from here.
Police Officer C Howell
Raleigh Police Department
August 22, 2022
To the family, friends and coworkers of Deputy Sheriff Ned P. Byrd; my deepest sympathy for your loss. God will watch over you all during this terrible time. God's Speed Ned!
Reserve Deputy Brian Jacobsen
Mahaska County Iowa Sheriff’s Office
August 21, 2022
Sheriff Byrd, our world is full of evil people, and yet, for many years, you dedicated your life to protecting others that they may be safe. Our Lord, who sees all and knows all, will reward you abundantly for your courage, dedication and selfless service. My heart breaks for the sorrow that your loved ones are experiencing. May God immerse you and them in His Divine Mercy. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.
Jess Espinosa
Civilian
August 20, 2022
Deputy Byrd,
Rest In Peace. Thank you for your service to both your community and the country. Your sacrifice will NEVER be forgotten.
DEA Special Agent
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
August 19, 2022
Rest in Peace my brother.
Captain Bernard Flint
Department of Defense Police Division
August 19, 2022
God Bless You, Your Family, & Friends.
Thank you for your unselfish service to protect your community.
James P. Waggle, Jr.
US Army Veteran (SFC)
Civilian
August 19, 2022
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Deputy Byrd. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Wake County Sheriff's Office.
Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service
August 18, 2022
Prayer & Condolences
Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Ned P. Byrd
Sgt. Randy Keenan ~ (Retired)
City of Alameda, CA Police Department
August 18, 2022
We now know an arrest was made in connection with the murder of Deputy Ned Byrd. I'm truly thankful to the Law Enforcement community that worked tirelessly to apprehend the suspect(s) wanted in connection with the murder of Deputy Byrd.
May Ned's brothers and sisters at the Wake County Sheriff's Office, especially Sheriff Baker who was truly emotional over the death of Ned, find peace and comfort knowing the individual(s) will have to face our Justice System.
Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"
August 18, 2022
Field Personnel Accountability Drill
Thomas H. Kelly Jr.
Assistant Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge (ASAC)
New York Field Office
Federal Air Marshal Service
August 18, 2022
You didn't deserve this. I am so sorry. I never met you but my husband worked with you, and what's even crazier to me is that some of my other friends know you from JuJitsu or other settings. Some of our officers in Apex knew you, some quite well. You seem like a fun, caring man. Hearts are broken. And we are angry at the state of things in our county, state, country. Your life mattered. This was wrong in so many ways. I pray we are able to rally for justice and a better quality of life for our deputies here in Wake.
Brandi Swope (veteran, mom)
Wake SO/Apex PD spouse
August 18, 2022
RIP. God will not overlook your public service and your sacrifice. God Bless your family and may they have peace knowing you all will be together again someday.
Paula Ashurst
August 18, 2022
Rip Deputy. Your brothers and sisters will not stop until the low life that took your life is located.
Former NJ K9 Patrol Officer
Former NJ K9 Patrol Officer
August 18, 2022
Rest easy Hero. You are never forgotten! May you find peace as we search for justice! Go rest high upon that mountain.
Rita A
IGY6 Civilian Supporter
John 15:13
August 18, 2022
God bless you Deputy Ned Byrd, for your service and sacrifice. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends, and to your brothers and sisters from the Wake County Sheriff’s Office. Rest in Peace Brother.
Officer Jim Drabos (Retired)
San Gabriel (CA) Police Department
August 17, 2022
Although I never had the privilege of meeting Ned, everyone speaks so highly of his life, career, and his impact on others. You will truly be missed. Rest easy Ned and know your brothers and sisters will carry on and be better because of you.
David McGee, Sergeant Retired
Wake County Sheriff's Office
August 16, 2022
On behalf of the Klamath County Sheriff's Office in Klamath Falls Oregon, we send our sincerest sympathy in the recent loss of your Deputy, Ned Byrd,in the line of duty. It is always a huge loss when a fellow Deputy makes the ultimate sacrifice. His bravery and courage to protect and serve your community has not gone unnoticed. We thank Deputy Byrd for his service as a United States Air Force Veteran.
Sheriff Chris Kaber
Klamath County Sheriff's Office
August 16, 2022
A police officer should be remembered not by how he died but how he lived! A great man has gone to secure a safe path for the rest of us to follow. Thank you to you, your family, and the Wake County Sheriff's Office. Our country is a little less safe without you. Rest in Peace Brother!
Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH
August 16, 2022
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