CMPD Pays Tribute to Fallen Heroes One Year Later

Published on April 26, 2025

Charlotte, N.C. – (Saturday, April 26, 2025) – Today the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) announced a series of meaningful efforts to honor the legacies of the law enforcement officers who tragically lost their lives on April 29, 2024: CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer, Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks and N.C. Department of Adult Correction Investigators William Elliott and Samuel Poloche. These efforts include a new documentary, participation and promotion of the upcoming Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s 8th annual Charlotte Climb and private recognition opportunities within the department leading up to and including April 29.

"No singular act can fully honor such profound loss," said CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings. “Instead, we have deliberately chosen multiple avenues to solemnly remember these fallen officers, to vibrantly celebrate their lives, to unite as a community in heartfelt tribute and to demonstrate the enduring strength that has defined us since that devastating day."

A cornerstone of this tribute is the release of a poignant feature documentary, One Year Later: Remembering the Fallen. This film offers an intimate and respectful look at the events of April 29, 2024, and the year that followed through the personal experiences of responding officers and the community’s many efforts to support the CMPD during its darkest time. Through emotional, first-hand accounts, the documentary reveals the courage, grief and resilience that have shaped Charlotte in the aftermath of this tragedy.

CMPD’s Public Affairs Division produced this documentary with editorial input from several interviewees to ensure it was crafted with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. One Year Later: Remembering the Fallen features 29 interviews with individuals who candidly share their memories of April 29 and the emotional toll the last year has taken on each of them. Ashley Eyer, widow of Officer Joshua Eyer, lends a powerful voice to the tribute, underscoring the significance of remembering the lives and stories of those lost.

The documentary can be viewed on CMPD’s YouTube channel One Year Later: Remembering the Fallen.

In addition to the documentary, CMPD is supporting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s climb scheduled for Sunday, April 27, at Bank of America Stadium at 9 a.m. This year’s climb serves as a public tribute and community gathering in honor of the officers who died in the line of duty on April 29.

Hundreds of community members are expected to participate in this powerful tribute. The pre-climb opening ceremony will include remarks from Carolina Panthers Owner David Tepper, CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings, Ashley Eyer, Kelly Weeks (widow of Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks), U.S. Marshals Service Acting Director Mark Pittella, City of Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Secretary of the N.C. Department of Adult Correction Leslie Cooley Dismukes and Tunnel to Towers Foundation CEO Frank Siller. Following the speaking program, the climb inside the stadium will begin.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Tunnel to Towers Foundation programs, which include providing mortgage-free homes to the families of fallen first responders. The foundation previously contributed crucial financial support to the families of the officers lost on April 29 as well as the family of CMPD Officer Mia Goodwin who died while serving her community in 2021.

CMPD will also facilitate internal and personal recognition within the department. Acknowledging the deeply personal impact of this tragedy on officers and employees, these internal observances will remain private to provide a dedicated space for remembrance and reflection on the profound sacrifices of our heroes. This focused approach ensures CMPD personnel can honor their colleagues with the reverence and solemnity this occasion requires.

Additionally, the CMPD’s Office of Employee Wellness is offering confidential, onsite consultations to support officers’ mental health and wellness from April 28 – April 30.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, is a progressive, technology-driven, metropolitan department that believes strongly in the principles of crime fighting, community engagement and professional development. The department employs more than 1,900 sworn officers, 500 civilian employees and 500 volunteers. If the public has information about a crime, anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or Charlotte Crime Stoppers.