This week beloved North Carolina State Highway Patrolman Brent Montgomery passed away, with his celebration of life service Saturday.
In June of last year, beloved Ret. Capt. Mike Davis of the Henderson Police Department passed away due to covid complications.
Now, Henderson Vance First Responders are planning a 3,000 plate BBQ chicken sale for these two families. For a $10 donation, community members at large can enjoy the food, which will be available April 30th from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The event will take place at 210 Industry Drive in Henderson. That’s the physical location the Tri-County Shrine Club uses, nearby to Mako, Servpro and Fred’s Towing.
In fact, the Tri-County Shrine Club, formerly known as the Henderson Shrine Club, is involved. There was a meeting last week and Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow and Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame are helping too. The fundraising project is the brainchild of a number of current and past first responders according to Chief Barrow.
Sheriff Brame also spoke to WIZS News Friday afternoon to reiterate his Facebook post of Thursday night, which we’ve also shared at facebook.com/wizsradio. In the post Brame said, “All the proceeds will go to the families of Captain Mike Davis and Trooper Brent Montgomery. Follow social media where you can make a donation. Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriff’s Office have tickets on hand, so please stop by and make your donation. There will be other locations.”
Based on some previous conversations — including a quote from Henderson Fire Chief Steve Cordell who said last week, of the specific Brent Montgomery fundraiser at the time, that probably 6,000 plates could have been sold if the chicken was available — one would be lead to believe the community wants to do more.
Barrow said Davis always worked, even up to the very end of his life last June. When the pandemic first started, according to Barrow, Davis drove Vance County School buses to make food deliveries to children and families in need. He delivered lunch packages, and now the community can support his family, and Montgomery family, by enjoying some chicken and helping the Henderson Vance First Responders benefit/fundraiser.
And, Sunday is Ret. Capt. Davis’ birthday. Barrow said Davis-Royster Funeral Service has something planned to celebrate, to commemorate how many funeral escorts Capt. Davis ran for the funeral home.
Davis served the Henderson Police Department and the Vance County community for 45 years.
Barrow told WIZS News last June, “We did the last call yesterday (for Capt. Davis) at the graveside service, and that finalizes so many things, but it’s still surreal that he’s gone,” said Barrow. “For those who aren’t familiar with a last call, a 911 communicator calls out for the officer three separate times. After the third call, the officer will be announced as 10-42, or out of service. The responding dispatcher will then thank the person for their service. It’s very solemn and heartfelt.”
For the family and friends and fellow officers of Davis and all service personnel everywhere, including Montgomery’s family, friends and fellow troopers this weekend, the final call is another moment no one ever forgets.