Capt. Byron Carpenter collapsed behind the wheel of his cruiser while rushing to an accident, one that claimed the life of a 13-year-old. The fatality involved a 13-year-old boy who was killed while skateboarding on Church Street in Belmont. He was struck by a passing car. The Mount Holly police, the highway patrol, the ambulance, the fire trucks and Belmont police showed up. Carpenter was on his way there to help when he apparently had a heart attack at the intersection of North Main Street and Wilkinson Boulevard. His car bumped another and witnesses rushed to his aid. Two nurses stopped and started CPR on him. An off-duty police officer was a few cars back and so was an off-duty Belmont fireman tried to help. Just as emergency workers tried to save the young boy’s life, they tried to revive the 22-year police veteran a few blocks away. Their efforts were unsuccessful as Carpenter later died at Gaston Memorial Hospital.

The driver of the truck, 35-year-old Johnny Wayne McCraw, was not charged in connection with the accident. Police said speed was not a factor.

Capt. Byron Carpenter left behind a wife, two kids 11 - 13
Carpenter reportedly had heart problems in the past, once undergoing bypass surgery.

Agency Information:
Belmont Police Department
P.O. Box 431
23 South Main Street
Belmont, NC 28012
Phone: 704-825-3792
 

My deepest sympathy for your loss. Our prayers are with you.

Police Officer, A.S. Norton
Gastonia Police Department, NC

Date: 05/05/2005
Time: 11:54 AM



My deepest sympathy and prayers are with the family.

Fred Cog
Bailiff, NY



I am sorry for the deep loss to the family, friends and comrades.

US Federal Police (Retired) NV
Chief of Police, Tom Savage
copone@cox.net



The easiest way for evil to triumph, is for good men to do nothing....Edmund Burke. There are people who think that we do the job to be heroes, or for personal gain. They could never understand that it is about the person next to you.

Reserve Officer, Sergeant Aaron King
Josephine County Sheriffs Office, OR
akingermx@hotmail.com



It is abundantly clear that ALL of your fallen officers shared a common thread - they were of the highest caliber yet modest and unassuming in the approach of their duties. I believe that for as long as such
men and women patrol your streets with such commitment and professionalism, then you have much to be proud of. My heart goes out to all the bereaved families, but be assured, there is someone in "every" corner of the world who cares!

Don W.
Howling@thesilverymoon.fsnet.co.uk
Wildlife Protection Ranger (UK)
Gloucestershire, United Kingdom



May your family find peace and strength.  I know how it feels to lose a family member in the line of duty.  My prayers are with you.  They will be blessed for all that they did for us while they were here and now they can all watch over us.

Lauren, LA
summer8219@hotmail.com



Your job on earth is done and you are safely in God's hands. You are now our guardian angel who watches over us in heaven. Your family and fellow officers are in our prayers. God bless.

Beverly "Jake" Smith, Retired Reserve Officer
Gainesville Police Dept. FL
smithbc@ci.gainesville.fl.us



Walk tall, walk tall and protect us from above with honor and dignity. May you lead the charge for
citizens right in heaven as you did here on earth

Darrell Thompson
Privet Security Officer St. Clair Co. MI,
Community College Campus Patrol #14
darrell@policespecial.com
www.sc4.edu



Rest in peace, and may God allow him to keep watch over us on earth while he patrols his beat
in heaven. Our prayers go out to the Officer's Department family and friends. May they all find peace in their hearts soon.

From all the Staff at Police Special Inc.