In 1997, they lost a firefighter in a car crash. Another was badly injured fighting a fire that had been intentionally set. Now, one of their own is charged with murder.
On Friday afternoon, Guilford County sheriff's deputies ended a two and a half hour standoff by firing tear gas into one home. Their tactics drove out the suspect, 30-year-old Joshua McAdoo of Orange County.
Investigators say McAdoo broke down the back door of Tyrone Griggs' house and shot him in the chest. News of the Christmas Eve killing quickly spread to Griggs' family.
Sheriff B.J. Barnes says before surrendering, McAdoo also held his estranged wife, Dana, and 21-month-old daughter hostage.
"He had them. He had the woman and was holding her with a gun pointed to her head. We were able to talk to him through negotiation and everything to get him to agree to let them go," said Barnes.
During the negotiation process, deputies learned they were dealing with a fellow public safety employee. The murder suspect serves as a captain with the Carrboro Fire Department.
Fire Chief Rodney Murray did not want to comment on McAdoo's arrest other than to say the captain's future as a firefighter will not be determined until the chief has a chance to meet with the town manager and the mayor.
"I wouldn't want to shoot him down like he did my brother, but I hope he gets whatever he deserves. I hope God puts him in his place. He'll get it," said Donald Griggs.
McAdoo is being held without bond at the Guilford County jail.
Investigators say prior to the shooting on Friday, McAdoo's wife had a domestic violence restraining order against him.
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