Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I first met Trooper Griffin when I was a dispatcher for the Pender County Sheriff's Office. Many years later I joined the Patrol and was with the search party when Sweat and Williams were captured and arrested....Hugh was a kind man and never said some of the things he was accused of during the trial.

Retired L/Sgt and current Patrol Chaplain Gene Ennett

Patrol Chaplain Gene Ennett
North Carolina Highway Patrol

May 7, 2023

Thank you for your service to our country and our state. Patrolman / Trooper Hugh Richard Griffin Sr. will always be remembered. RIP sir.

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

August 18, 2022

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

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

September 14, 2020

Patrolman Griffin,
On today, the 45th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the USN during the Korean War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 14, 2020

I never got got to meet him... But am proud to call him Granddad. It's lovely to see even after all the years people still remember and honor him. I love the stories my dad would share about the man he was named after. Just wish I had a chance to make my own memories with him.

Sheila Griffin Lewis
Granddaughter

September 9, 2019

Rest in peace Patrolman Griffin.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 3, 2019

Proud to send my No Parole letter. Rest in peace brother, you have not been forgotten.

Snr. Ptlmn Donnie Meaders (Retired)
Wewoka, OK Police Department

July 30, 2016

I am sitting here putting together the information needed to ensure that we can effectively fight the parole of this trooper's killer. I always read all the reflections when I do this. So often I find key information here that I have not found elsewhere. I had to smile when I read the first reflection in 2004 by his youngest son. As the youngest daughter of Chief Andrew Williams, Saluda North Carolina I had to smile. I also took rides in the patrol car, hiding so No one saw me. You never forget little memories like that because they were such big deals then. Prayers for all who loved Trooper Griffin.

Angela McMinn, Police Survivor
Daughter of Chief Andrew WILLIAMS

May 7, 2015

His son William "Bill" was a friend of ours when we were kids. He would often come home with my older brother Aaron from school and play around the house or barn with us. Sometimes it was Mr. Griffin that would stop by to get Bill to take him home. It was a most impressivve sight to see him pull into our drieway with that HWP car and get out in uniform. I will never forget his presence. Nor the shock of his loss. I can't imagine the void created in his family. We moved from Burgaw shortly after and haven't seen Bill since. I hope you're well, we never will forget.

Matthew D. Harward

January 8, 2013

I knew H. R. Griffin he was a very warm and gentle person.
He talked of putting in just a few more years and getting out.
His personality was one that you liked him no matter what.
I have always missed him and his fairness and carring for others. He is at rest till the trumpet blows and all in Christ will rise.

William Shepard

December 12, 2011

Reading your incident on ODMP and how the subject had his sentence commuted to life grieves me even more. I hope a day comes when I can meet you in the here after and demonstrate my friendship with you and all the others who left our world so tragically. Bless you brother.

SPO III Ken Hancock (ret)
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Dept.

February 18, 2011

memories of my uncle are terrific....he was not only adedicated SHP but a GREAT husband...father....christain....but also a good uncle to me....so many fond memories that will always be in my heart..God bless him.....

nancy paul korkor
uncle

September 28, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th 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

September 17, 2009

I was a member of the N.C. Highway Patrol stationed in Jacksonville N.C.when he was shot. I was in on the manhunt for these 2 subjects when we found them in the woods off N.C.53. Hugh and I would meet on 53 when I would have to go to E-Town for car repair. Great person .

Cpl Dirk J Bron(retired)
South Carolina Highway Patrol

March 27, 2009

"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

TROOPER GRIFFIN, 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.

September 14, 2007

I was on vacation this week and crossed a bridge dedicated in the memory of Trooper Griffin. I jotted down his name so I could learn his story. It is just a small way I can pay respect to those who have gone on before me.
Trooper Griffin, thank you for your dedication and service. May God bless your family left on this earth.

PO2 R. J. Johnson
Salisbury Police Department

October 15, 2006

Hugh-Although we never met you, our heartfelt sympathy goes to your family. May the scumbag that took you feel the pain that he caused for the rest of his days. After all, we all know what happens when his days here will end and where he is going.

God speed sir!

ROSS COUNTY OHIO SHERIFF DEPARTMENT
CHILLICOTHE OHIO POLICE DEPARTMENT

July 8, 2005

youngest son, I remember dad letting me ride with him in the patrol car so I could get a drink at the fire station, but I had to sit in the floor board so he wouldn't get in trouble for me being in the car. I remember him looking at me and I got a coke for 10 cents. We looked at the bottom of the coke I had Alaska and he had North Carolina, so I won. love him and miss him

E-7/sfc william harris griffin
u.s. ARMY 1/120 INF 30 HSB

November 28, 2004