We are blessed to live in an area where people come together and support each other during tragic times.
I have always received a positive response each and every time I have called on businesses and individuals to help.
On behalf of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies, a sincere thank you goes out to the businesses, churches, and individuals that responded with food for the law enforcement officers during the man hunt for the suspect shooters of a Roanoke Rapids police officer.
This community came together in support and you have not gone unnoticed. Please know that your thoughtfulness will not be forgotten.
Forgive us if I leave anyone out — Little Caesars, El Tenampa, Oscars, Chick-Fil A, Dominos, Papa John's, KFC, Hardees, Bojangles, Wal-Mart, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Wings and Rings, Pizza Hut, McDonalds, Ralph's Barbecue, San Jose, Pino's, Calvary Baptist Church and individuals of First Baptist in Roanoke Rapids.
I am sure there are other businesses who fed the officers that came to their place of business that we may not be aware of.
On Wednesday, November 17, at approximately 3 p.m. a command post was set up at the NCSHP office in Roanoke Rapids.
In a short time we had SBI, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, Roanoke Rapids Police, officers from surrounding townships, officers from surrounding counties, Prison Emergency Response Teams from area prisons, DOT, chaplains and support teams from around the state.
As Chaplain of the NCSHP I received a call to help set up feeding for these officers and support staff. Because of the response and support of our local businesses we were able to feed approximately 100 officers supper that night as well as providing drinks and snacks throughout the night.
On Thursday morning about 100 officers were fed breakfast and coffee from Hardee’s. Not knowing how long this man hunt was going to last we began to make plans for lunch.
The ladies from First Baptist Church were called and they provided lunch to about 80 officers and support staff. In all about 280 meals, snacks and drinks were provided to those in and around the command post.
I want to thank Rev. Randy Martin of Calvary Baptist Church who stayed and assisted me during this tragic event
I am in the process of setting up a call list for businesses and individuals who would be willing to help in the future should the need arise.
Please send me an e-mail at
In His Service,
Dennis R. Joyner
Chaplain NCSHP Troop C-8
Halifax, Northampton Co.