Wayne County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina
End of Watch Wednesday, November 13, 2002
Add to My HeroesJerry Kenneth Best
Captain Jerry Best was struck and killed by a vehicle while removing a deer carcass from NC 581 a half mile north of Cherry Hospital.
The deer had been struck by a vehicle and was dying when Captain Best passed by. He put the deer out of its misery and was attempting to move it from the roadway when he was struck and killed by a passing car.
Captain Best had been employed with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office for 25 years. He is survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 48
- Tour 25 years
- Badge 3
Incident Details
- Cause Struck by vehicle
Most Recent Reflection
View all 42 ReflectionsMy 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
Recent LODD Deaths

Correctional Officer I Robert Clark
Georgia Department of Corrections, GA
EOW: October 1, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Jacob Eric Salrin
Richland County Sheriff's Department, SC
EOW: September 29, 2023

Community Parole Officer Christine Guerin-Sandoval
Colorado Department of Corrections, CO
EOW: September 28, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Marylin Anjanette Mayo
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: September 21, 2023

Police Officer Darrin McMichael
Arlington Police Department, TX
EOW: September 21, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: September 16, 2023

Governmental Affairs Liaison Michael Elaine Griffin
Mississippi Department of Public Safety, MS
EOW: September 4, 2023

Police Officer Kevin Cram
Algona Police Department, IA
EOW: September 13, 2023

Deputy Sheriff II Auston Smith Reudelhuber
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 9, 2023