Lincoln County Sheriff's Office remembers late deputy 51 years after his death

LINCOLN COUNTY, NC (WBTV) – To be remembered is to be honored.

On Monday, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office remembered one of its deputies who died in the line of duty more than five decades ago.

Friends, family, and even people who worked with him the day John Howell lost his life in a domestic violence incident.

Police care about and remember those who serve, no matter how long they have been wearing the badge. Today is no different. And the sacrifices of the past inspire the next generation.

“They do this job for the right reasons. I just have to motivate them, stay out of their way and they will amaze you,” Sheriff Bill Beam told the crowd.

Several members of the latest generation of law enforcement officers were here in Lincoln County District Court to remember one of their own who died in the line of duty before most of them were even born.

“I have been in law enforcement for 47 years,” said Jim Pratt.

Pratt was there the night Howell served a search warrant in a domestic violence case. He detained Howell after he was shot by a wanted gunman.

“I saw John lying in the front yard and no one was with him, so I went over to him,” Pratt said.

At that moment, Pratt says, he saw the gunshot wound to Howell.

“The only thing I could do was ask someone for a pack of cigarettes and I put it over it,” Pratt recalled.

But despite all efforts, Howell's life was not saved. Fifty-one years after that day, his colleagues, his deputies and his family met to share stories and memories. Some of those who worked with Howell still work undercover for the company.

“It was just a really, really bad day,” said Gene Sain.

The man who shot Howell was eventually convicted of the crime and sent to prison.

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