Sharpsburg, NC Police Department

06/11/2026

Condolences to the Cotton family at this difficult time. Sending love and prayers to the Rocky Mount Police Department.

The Rocky Mount Police Department Mourns The Loss of Officer Michael Cotton

Officer Cotton passed away in an off-duty ATV accident in the evening hours on June 10th, 2026.

He served in the United States Military and the Army Reserve for numerous years, while simultaneously serving the Rocky Mount community as a sworn law enforcement officer for 7 years. He had been a K9 officer since 2023. He truly had a passion for law enforcement and for working alongside his K9 partners.

Officer Cotton’s first K9, FORREST, retired and was awarded to him by the city council, and is now a part of Officer Cotton's immediate family.

Officer Cotton had a milestone in his career when he became the agencies 1st African American K9 handler. In February 2026, he successfully completed the rigorous training program with his second K9, LEO, an Explosive Detection K9.

Officer Cotton holds an associate degree in Criminal Justice Technology honors from Nash Community College. Officer Cotton would have celebrated his 30th birthday on June 15th.

Officer Cotton was more than a colleague; he was family. Our hearts go out to his loved ones.

We thank the Wilson County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina Highway Patrol, and the Wilson County Emergency Services for their ongoing efforts in this investigation, and to all law enforcement agencies for their support and assistance during this difficult time.

We are grateful for the condolences from our community. Thank you.

05/20/2026

05/20/2026

The Click it or Ticket it Campaign has commenced and Sharpsburg Police will be participating to ensure everyone's safety this Memorial Day weekend. Buckle up Everytime.

A seat belt ticket isn’t just a consequence. It’s a warning meantto save your life. Tickets may be inconvenient, but they’re a reminder thatbuckling up is on...

05/17/2026

During National Police Week, we honor and remember Chief Wayne Hathaway (End of Watch: July 18, 1997) and Assistant Chief David Young (End of Watch: April 12, 2005) for making the ultimate sacrifice in service to the Sharpsburg community.

Chief Hathaway faithfully served the Town of Sharpsburg from March 6, 1974, until his end of watch on July 18, 1997—over 23 years of dedicated service. Assistant Chief Young served from January 1, 1981, until his end of watch on April 12, 2005—more than 24 years of devoted commitment to our community.

The service and sacrifice of Chief Hathaway and Assistant Chief Young remain an enduring example of courage, dedication, and love for the Sharpsburg community. We are forever grateful for their contributions and their legacy of honor.

03/11/2026

03/10/2026

03/06/2026

Glad to part of this operation, partnership throughout the communities help makes towns and cities safer for everyone to work and play. We look forward to working together with other agencies and partners

03/01/2026

Please for our friends NCSHP and families of Master Trooper Steven J Perry during this difficult time

**UPDATE** Due to an outpouring of support and a multitude of those looking to help, a GoFundMe account has been established to help support the 9 month old daughter of fallen Master Trooper Steven Perry. Those looking to help can so so by visiting the provided link: https://gofund.me/32d0d6684

Member Line of Duty Death: Master Trooper Steven J. Perry

Dear Patrol Family,

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I inform you of the passing of one of our own. Master Trooper Steven J. Perry has passed away from an on-duty traffic collision while working in Durham County. Initial indications are that early this morning he was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver while traveling on NC-147. The other involved driver is also deceased from the traffic collision.

Trooper Perry was a member of the 148th Basic Patrol School and has served Durham County throughout his nearly 7-year career. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow troopers who had the privilege of serving alongside him. We ask that you keep the entirety of his family and our Patrol Family in your thoughts.

We would like to thank the Durham County Emergency Medical Services, Durham Fire Department, Durham Police Department and the North Carolina Department of Transportation IMAP Division for their extensive assistance at the scene of this crash.

As further details become available and as a celebration of life service is planned, we will ensure that details are shared.

Please stay safe, take care of one another and keep the family in your prayers.

Warmest Regards,
Colonel Freddy Johnson Jr.