"His father was chief of detectives of the Harnett County Sheriff's Office," Rollins said. "I spoke with him and John's mother earlier. It's pretty tough right now."
Strickland joined the sheriff's office on Jan. 15 as a part-time deputy and was promoted to full-time on April 28. He had just qualified for the county's K-9 unit.
"He loved his job. He loved everything he did," said Willie Sprouse, Strickland's neighbor.
Strickland, 38, is survived by his wife and three children, ages 16, 9 and 8.
Strickland is the second local deputy to die in the line of duty in the past three weeks.
Deputy William "Frank" James
hit another car in southern Wake County on Sept. 5. He was on his way to a domestic dispute.
and
Jason Stoogenke
• Credits
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