Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Roger,
Remembering you and thinking of your family on the 30th anniversary of your passing.

Laura Jordan

December 31, 2023

Who was the gunman's driver/ride to the PD to turn himself in for the outstanding warrant?
I believe there's a lot of unanswered questions about that night due to the simple fact both families were in shock from this random act of violence in the quiet city of Kannapolis NC. If there's evidence of any kind, why wouldn't the PD have done further questioning/investigation regarding this senseless crime that left two local men dead on the cold night of December 31,1993?

Local Kannapolis Citizen
Kannapolis Citizen

February 22, 2022

Roger was my friend. We shared a court date each month and more often than not went to lunch on those days. You couldn't have asked for a better man than Roger. I thankful for his friendship before and after I became a police officer, I only regret he's not here today. I would give my right arm to go to lunch with him again.

Jimmy Maner

August 17, 2020

It was a terrible thing that happen that night and I feel really bad for the lost of 2 life's that did not have to happen. If back then you could have listen to the call that the so suspect made to the police Dept and if the police Dept would have listen to the caller then maybe both would be alive. The caller said I want to turn myself in and I will be at police station have a officer there instead kannapolis police Dept dispatch office to the home. Caller was waking out of home to shoot his gun for New year's and waiting for his ride to police station. The gun caller had he could have never used on himself no to big to reach to shoot himself. not defending or making excuses but I heard the call to the police Dept from shooter if that dispatcher would have done what was asked both would be alive. Warrant for credit card fault and look at the out come.

Segrant
None

September 20, 2019

Rest in peace Patrolman Carter.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 2, 2019

I remember this like it was yesterday. I never got the fortune of meeting this great man (I was 12 at the time). Godspeed to your family from the bottom of my heart. I went on to become a police officer for almost a decade and a lot of that was due to you sir.

Master Police Officer (ret.) Chris Hamm
n/a

January 1, 2019

Roger the evening that I met you the first time I was working at the Shell Station on the Loop Road across from Table Supply. That even I had a woman high on drugs and armed with a gun come in my store. She was bleeding from both wrists and laid her gun on the counter beside the cash register before going and locking herself into the rest room. I called K.P.D. and it was you who answered my call for help. You came in and talked the woman out of the bathroom. You took her to Broughton that night. You called and checked on her numerous times and reported to me how she was doing. When she came back home you invited her to church as you did everyone. You were quick to show pictures of your wife and children. But even quicker to talk about God and salvation. You were the best Police Officer Kannapolis had. Me & my sister were going down Cannon Blvd the night you were Killed in the line of duty. We seen the ambulance pull onto Cannon Blvd. With a Police escort and a Police Car behind the ambulance also. I knew then that something really bad had happened. But I never dreamed that Kannapolis N.C. had lost you to a crazy man. If he would have given you the chance you would have done anything to help him. We went to your funeral and were there as you were laid to rest. I will never forget that long long line of Police cars with their blue lights on. It was the saddest day that Kannapolis N.C. had/has ever experienced. I still think of you often and my heart still aches over you my friend. I know you are in Heaven with Jesus and one day we will all be together again.

Juanita Wolfe - Friend

October 17, 2018

God bless. We will never forget. Your watch here is over many years ago. Pleasure to have served in the county with you my brother......VC

Brian VC Voncannon
Concord Police/Cabarrus Co. Sheriff's Dept.(Retired)

July 23, 2017

I was working for Kannapolis Police Department at the time of Officer Carter's death. I had gotten off 3rd shift the morning prior Roger's death. That after noon, I was in Concord when Roger called my home and asked to speak with me. My wife advised I was not there and he asked her to have me call Amoco Service Station on Lane Street. Upon getting the message and calling, Roger was given the phone and we began laughing about something that had happen earlier. I advised him, I was in Concord but would meet him at the store in an hour. Upon my arrival at the store, the clerk advised Roger had left on a call and would be back. While there laughing with the clerk, I had no idea approximately 5 blocks away, my friend was being killed. I was contacted and asked to report to the police department immediately. Upon arrival, I saw many officers crying along with some dispatchers. Once I was told of Rogers death, I could not believe it knowing we had just spoken on the phone almost 2 hours ago. The call he left the store on was the one he was killed on. The anger/hurt rose so quickly but there was nothing I could do. He was a wonderful friend/officer. He would leave scriptures inside the patrol vehicle after his shift to encourage the next officer coming on duty. He will never be forgotten but truly missed.

Lt. William Moody
Livingstone Campus Police

August 19, 2015

I and my wife had just arrived at Myrtle Beach SC. when we got the call to tell me that my Uncle had been shot and killed. We never unpacked the car, we told my dad what happened and headed home. All the way to the beach EVERY church we passed was packed, you could not have fit another car in the parking lot and my wife said she felt as if something bad was going to happen because churches do not pack out on a Thursday. We did not go home but start to my grandmothers side. That day will always have a spot in my memory. I lost the uncle that got me back in church and Kannapolis lost one of the best officers we have every had. R.I.P. Uncle Roger Dale I will see you again someday

Lacy Loan Jr.
Nephew

February 6, 2015

December 31, 1993 the Kannapolis Police department lost a great officer and the world lost a great man who was killed by a maniac. For those of you who lived through that nightmare with us you know that you can never forget. New Year's Eve has a special meaning for everyone but a truly special meaning for those who experienced that night. I bet all of you know exactly where you were and what you did when you heard the news. It was something I hope we never have to experience again. Rest in peace Officer Roger Dale Carter. You will never be forgotten. We will see you again one day.

Chief Woody Chavis
Kannapolis Police Department

January 2, 2014

I will never forget that night. A friend lost her husband that night. This incident inspired my son to become a police officer. Some give a little and some give all. God bless our Police Officers and keep them safe.

Barbara Hunter
Friend

December 31, 2013

Hard to believe it will be 20 years tonight, brother! I have never forgotten you! RIP!

Detective David F. James
Bessemer City Police Department

December 31, 2013

The hardest night of my career.

David Hampton Paramedic (Retired)
Cabarrus County EMS / Team Medic Kannapolis PD SRT

December 30, 2013

It's approaching 20 years to the night you were taken. I was working as a Paramedic that night and remember how sad we all felt upon hearing the news. Your memory lives on.

Annette Archer EMT-P
Cabarrus County Sheriff Office

September 30, 2013

Roger, I miss you each and every day!

Jeffrey Franklin Carter

JEFFREY F. CARTER TSGT USAF
IREDELL COUNTY E.M.S. PARAMEDIC

November 11, 2012

Roger, simply stated... I love and miss you!

Jeffrey Franklin Carter

JEFFREY F. CARTER TSGT USAF
IREDELL COUNTY E.M.S. PARAMEDIC

November 11, 2012

I wish you was here with me. I miss you so much. My life is good. I have 4 beautiful children; and one day we will all be there to see you so you can meet them. Love you lots

Ashley Starnes
Neice

January 9, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 16th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer and NC native Larry Lasater

January 6, 2010

It has been some 15 years since Roger was taken from us. His positive Christian influence still lives in those of us who knew and worked with him. His legacy will always be faith, forgiveness, and compassion. We should all strive the be the type of man that he was. He will never be forgotten.

Woody Chavis, Chief of Police
Kannapolis Police Department

May 5, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 28, 2007

"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 27, 2007

Dear Roger,
Not a day in my life has gone by that I do not think of you. You were kind to all you met. I remember working in the mill one night and having to walk home in the snow, you picked me up and gave me a ride. We prayed together and you gave me a small bible I carry today. Because of you and one other influence I have strted my life in Forensics, god bless you as I know you watch over us all.
Missing you always,
Your friend,
Jon

Jon Bradshaw
Kaplan College Criminal Justice Forensic Psychology

September 8, 2007

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service.

nc game warden

August 12, 2007

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burden's lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Don't be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk
Sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!

Your memory is alive and well. Healing will only come
when those whose faith is in Christ will meet you on the
other side. Until then, we rejoice that you are with the
Savior and the cares of this earth are far from you!
Lynn Kole
Washington State

June 19, 2007