Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Unbelievably, it has been 49 years since that horrible night. I remember listening to a Highway Patrol monitor from several counties away as the dispatch center acknowledged various Highway Patrol units checking on, and en route to Buncombe County. We did not know the tragic gravity of the situation at the time, but as the hours passed, and the volume of units responding, particularly upper command units, increased, we began speculating and fearing it involved serious, if not fatal injury to a Trooper. It wasn't until the next morning our fears were not only confirmed, they were doubled with the news we had lost both you and Trooper Lawrence Canipe, Jr. Just reflecting on it tonight brings that same sickening feeling to the pit of my stomach. On this fateful anniversary, know you, your service and your life are still remembered, and appreciated.

NC Officer

October 5, 2023

October 5th is a particularly dark day for North Carolina law enforcement. ODMP cites seven who gave their all for the Tarheel state on this day of the year. We lost Trooper Canipe with you that horrible evening, further compounding our grief. Nineteen years later, we would lose two more out of the same incident on another violent and tragic October 5th. All seven of you share not just an end of watch date, but a fidelity to service. The fabric of our profession was strengthened by the contributions you made, and weakened by your loss.

NC Officer

October 5, 2022

We are all thankful for the devotion and dedication Sergeant William D. Arledge displayed in his life. Sergeant Arledge will always be remembered. RIP sir.

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

August 18, 2022

Your life is still celebrated, your service still appreciated and your sacrifice still mourned...and you are still remembered.

NC Officer

October 5, 2021

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

October 5, 2020

Though the years create ever increasing distance from that October night, they do not diminish our appreciation for your service to North Carolina and to our profession. Thanks.

NC Officer

October 5, 2020

Rest in peace Sergeant Arledge.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 23, 2019

Rest in Peace

Ptl. Bryan Waltz (Ret)
Avon Lake PD OH

April 25, 2019

Rest in peace Sergeant Arledge. I was wondering if you were related to TV executive Roone Arledge?

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 5, 2019

On October 5, 2012 @ 1730 hours the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office will be recognizing and honoring both Lawrence Canipe, Jr. and Sergeant W. Dean Arledge. The very room this tragedy struck 38 years ago on October 5, 1974 is currently the Sergeants office for Court Security. These brave men both gave the ultimate sacrifice serving this great state as well as the citizens of Buncombe County. We in Court Security would like to dedicate our office space and place a memorial in the office to protect and preserve their memory. We want the family to know that the memory of these wonderful men will not be forgotten and with this dedication cannot be forgotten.

Sergeant Jeffrey Littrell
Buncombe County Sheriff's Office

September 13, 2012

Not a day goes by that we at the Buncombe County Courthouse do not think of you. Our office (Court Security) is located in the basement, the exact location where this tragedy took place.
I am a Sgt. with Court Security and my co-Sgt. Jeff Littrell made the suggestion that we do some type memorial so you will never be forgotten. Thats what made me pull this ODMP up today. God Bless your family and I hope you have a special place in heaven. Thank you for your service.

Sgt. Judy Arrowood
Buncombe County Sheriffs Office (Court Security)

August 27, 2012

Sgt. Arledge and family,
While doing research on many of our Fallen LEO Heroes, I came across your hallowed name. May your family, department, fellow LEOs, and your community know that this family remembers you always...your service will not be forgotten. Rest In Peace, Brother.

Once Blue, Always Blue! A Family that Serves.
Daughter of a deceased Police Sgt., and US Navy Vet WWII
Wife of a USAF SAC Vet, ICBM Missiles
Mother of a US Army Soldier
Former 911 Communications Officer/ Dispatcher

Pamela West, 911 Communications Dispatch
former, Charleston PD, Charleston, WV.

March 14, 2012

I knew Sgt. Arledge well, i was a Patrolman waiting in the Majistrates office for a Breth Test on my Drunk Driver. Trooper Thad May came in to run the test since Arledge couldnt be reached on his radio. I was standing in the doorway with my Drunk and Capt. Bob Branson when May opened the door to the Breathalizer room. The sight will always be with me of both of these Troopers slain in the Breathalizer room. I think of Both of these Troopers often. God Bless them. Lee~~~

Captain R. Lee Carver
Asheville Police Dept, Retired.

May 19, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state and the birthplace of my son. 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

Anonymous

October 8, 2009

Sgt. Arledge,
On today, the 35th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your fellow Trooper for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of North Carolina. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous

October 5, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Sgt. Arledge.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 19, 2008

I FIRST MET DEAN IN 1974 WHILE ATTENDING THE GOVERNOR'S HIGHWAY SAFETY SCHOOL IN CHARLOTTE,N.C,AND PUT ON BY NORTH-WESTERN UNIVERSITY. THIS PROGRAM WAS IN MANAGEMENT SAN LASTED FOR EIGHT WEEKS.

DURING THAT TIME I WAS WITH THE NEWTON POLICE DEPT. AD WAS IN SHOCK OF ALL THE TROOPERS IN MY CLASS.DEAN, LT. R.A. CLARK, EARNIE WOODS,AND SGT.WOOTEN.

WAS NO MORE THAN TWO WEEKS AFTER GRADUATION, THAT DEAN MET HIS FATE.

I CANT HELP BUT THINK THAT DEAN DID NOT HEAR ALOT OF WHAT WENT ON. BECAUSE DURING SCHOOL, HE ASKED TO BE MOVED TO THE FRONT OF THE CLASS BECAUSE HE COULD NOT HEAR WELL.
THIS HAS ALWAYS CAUSED ME TO PONDER AND WOUNDER IF THIS COULD HAVE BEEN PART OF WHAT CAUSED SOME OF THE HEART BREAK OF THAT NIGHT.

OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE TRIED TO WRITE AND E-MAIL THOSE THAT MIGHT HAVE KNOWN HIM INCLUDING HIS WIFE. THIS HAS BEEN TO NO AVAIL.

I STILL HAVE THAT GRADUATION PICTURE OF ALL OF US. AND THE GREAT MEMORIES THAT GO ALONG WITH IT.

MIKE MOORE
CATAWBA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT.(RET.)

MIKE MOORE
CATAWBA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT.(RET.)

May 11, 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 27, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you sir for your service.

pat Van Den Berghe NH

October 14, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe< NH

October 14, 2007

SGT ARLEDGE, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

October 5, 2007

Sgt. Arledge, neither you nor your sacrifice will ever be forgotten.

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

July 18, 2007

Dean, Larry, still miss and think of you often, even after 32 years.

Trooper SMW
NC SHP

August 30, 2006

Thank you Trooper for your service.

Trooper
FHP

May 14, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

God bless, hero. Rest in peace.

A grateful citizen.

October 5, 2004