Fallen Officers Remembered at Candlelight Vigil

A year ago Wednesday, a sheriff's deputy and a highway patrolman were gunned down on the side of Interstate 95.

Family, friends and co-workers of Deputy David Hathcock and Trooper Ed Lowry held a candlelight vigil at the site where the two lawmen were killed. The last year has been a heartbreaking one for both families. They are trying to move on.

"It doesn't seem like it's been a year, but a year has come and gone today," Barbara Hathcock said.

It is a day that Hathcock has been dreading. It is an anniversary she would rather forget. One year ago, her husband of 35 years, Deputy David Hathcock, and Trooper Ed Lowry were gunned down by Tilmon and Kevin Golphin.

It has been four months since the brothers were sentenced to death, and Hathcock still struggles with her feelings towards the Golphins.

"Sometimes, I don't really know how I feel," Hathcock said. "Yes, I am angry for them taking my husband the way they did."

Many law officers in Cumberland County have been taken before their time. Sheriff Moose Butler chose Wednesday to showcase the final plans for a memorial that will remember 30 officers killed in the line of duty in the County.

"This is a way of letting everyone know we will ever be thankful in remembering them," Butler said.

Not a day goes by that Barbara Hathcock does not remember her husband. Her home is filled with plaques and memorials that she has received in his honor over the past year. The local playground has been named in her husband's memory.

"I have had a problem occasionally dealing with the loneliness," Hathcock said. "I never knew what it was to be without a loved one."

Lowry's widow Dixie chose to mark the one year anniversary in private. However, other family members attended the vigil.

Dixie Lowry hosted a dinner for Barbara Hathcock, jurors, members of the District Attorney's office and other friends last Friday night to mark the occasion, and to thank everyone for their support over the last year.