Slain Wayne County deputy remembered in somber day for family, colleagues
Sgt. Matthew Fishman, one of the three Wayne County deputies shot on Monday morning, has died from his injuries.
Wayne County Sheriff Larry M. Pierce is expected to give an update on the investigation Wednesday and provide an update about the other deputies who were hurt.
Gov. Roy Cooper mentioned Fishman's death during a Council of State meeting on Tuesday morning, offering his condolences.
"It is with profound sadness that we report that Sgt. Matthew Fishman has passed away from injuries sustained in the line of duty yesterday," Wayne County said in a statement.
Fishman was 38 years old and the son of a pastor of a Goldsboro church. He was married and a father to two children.
"I have lived for 62 years, six months and three days," Fishman's father, Pastor Dave Fishman, said in a Facebook post.
"However, these last 24 hours have been the worst I have ever experienced."
Gov. Cooper ordered all North Carolina flags and U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff in recognition of Fishman's passing.
Pete Williams, a family friend of the Fishmans, said being in law enforcement was something Matthew Fishman had dreamed of since he was a child.
"Even though it's sad and the family's in a fix this morning, and it's just terrible, we know that we'll see Matthew again," said Williams. "We have hope, and that can never be taken away from us. It never can."
The sheriff's office is asking the community to pray for the families involved after an emotionally turbulent day. Fishman had served with the WCSO since 2010 and was previously with the Mount Olive Police Department.
"They just need somebody there with them. That's what they need right now — just support and knowing that you're there," said Williams.
Those closest to the Fishman family said they're leaning heavily on their faith.
"We're going to pull together as a county and pull together as a Christian family, and we're going to support them," said Williams.
In his message, Dave Fishman said Matthew is in a better place.
"My family and I are grateful for the many police officers, deputies and law enforcement who give so much sacrifice for our betterment," Dave Fishman said.
Sheriff Larry Pierce thanked officers and responders who offered support.
Monday carried tragic circumstances for many in Wayne County as the man accused of shooting three deputies was also found dead nine hours later.
The deputies were shot while serving an involuntary commitment order, meaning someone thought the suspect was a danger to himself and needed help, at a home in the 2500 block of Arrington Bridge Road in Dudley. Heavily armed officers from the State Highway Patrol, WCSO and surrounding agencies surrounded the home for over nine hours.
23-year-old Jourdan Hamilton was found inside the home with an apparent fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound after SWAT members entered the residence.
It's not known at this time who filed the commitment order.
