Dates: July 17, 1984 – August 2, 2022
The Tragedy:
Sergeant Matthew Fishman tragically lost his life while serving involuntary commitment papers on August 1, 2022. As Sergeant Fishman and two fellow deputies arrived at the residence around 10:30 am, the subject opened fire on them. The assailant then barricaded himself inside the house until a SWAT team entered the premises at 8:00 pm, discovering him deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Sergeant Fishman was rushed to ECU Medical Center, where he fought for his life until the following day when he succumbed to his injuries. Fortunately, the other two deputies were transported to ECU Medical Center and Wayne UNC Hospital, both in stable condition.
With a dedicated service record of 12 years at the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant Fishman had also previously served with the Mount Olive Police Department. He leaves behind his wife, two children, parents, and two brothers.
More info:
walb.com : Sergeant dead after being shot while serving warrant in N.C.
The Service:
Fishman was honored in a service at Mount Olive University where hundreds of law enforcement members from across the state joined alongside his family and friends to pay their respects.
Dave Fishman, Matthew’s father, spoke of his son’s dedication and love, “Matthew did what he did because he genuinely cares for others.” Before Fishman was called in to serve the papers over which he was killed, he was on his way to help an elderly woman’s fence. He consistently was looking for ways to help others.
Kenneth Black, a former co-worker and friend, shared more about Matthew’s life and character, “I’ve seen Fish on several occasions pray for people he arrested, pray with people he arrested, He was a man of God. You couldn’t ask for a better person in this world.”
The service concluded with a procession to Wayne Memorial Park where Fishman was laid to rest.
More info:
abc11 : Hundreds gather for funeral of Sergeant Matthew Fishman
spectrumlocalnews : ‘Couldn’t ask for a better person’: Sergeant Matthew Fishman laid to rest
shumate-faulk : Obituary
The Justice:
The suspect was identified as 23-year-old Jourdan Hamilton. Hamilton had a previous record including two misdemeanors for communicating threats and resisting an officer. After shooting the three officers at his home, he barricaded himself inside for hours and when he was discovered, he had inflicted a fatal gunshot wound to himself.
More info:
cbs17 : Man suspected of killing Wayne deputy had two previous arrests
Delivery:
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