Governor Roy Cooper has ordered that the U.S. and N.C. flags be flown at state facilities to half-staff in honor of Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Matthew Fishman who succumbed to injuries sustained in the line of duty on Monday.

Sergeant Matthew Fishman was employed by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO)since December of 2010. He was previously employed by the Mount Olive Police Department and was still a reserve officer with the Mount Olive Police Department (MOPD).

Along with Fishman officers Cpl. Andrew Cox and Deputy Alexander Ramon Torres were injured yesterday while serving an involuntary commitment order in Dudley, North Carolina.

Deputy Alexander Ramon Torres has been employed by the WCSO since June of 2018. He also was previously employed by the Mount Olive Police Department and is still a reserve officer with the MOPD.

Corporal Andrew Cox has been employed by the WCSO since June of 2020. He was previously employed by the Goldsboro Police Department.

Governor Cooper issued the following statement, “Today we adjourned the Council of State meeting in honor of Wayne Co. Sheriff Sgt. Matthew Fishman who was tragically shot and killed yesterday in the line of duty. Last night and this morning I talked with Sheriff Pierce and I extend my deepest sympathy and gratitude to the Fishman family for Matthew’s life, courage and service to the people of his county and state.”