Charlotte hero honored for his service this Thanksgiving

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte hero was honored this Thanksgiving after serving his country and community for more than 30 years.

When Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer Stephen Sterrett arrived to work Thursday he had no idea his wife and fellow officers were waiting there with a catered Thanksgiving meal.

The surprise was all part of an annual, nationwide contest held by La Brea Bakery. Every Thanksgiving the bakery selects recipients for its Hometown Heroes contest.

The prize is Thanksgiving dinner brought to them.

Sterrett’s wife nominated her husband. He and nine others were selected out of 3,000 nominations.

“He’s worked Thanksgivings, Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries,” said Sterrett’s wife, Lane.

“I’m totally surprised,” Sterrett said. “Especially because of the number of entries.”

But to Sterrett’s fellow officers, it was no surprise he was nominated.

“Sterrett is a very dedicated officer,’ said Sgt. Jason Haitchcock.

Sterrett served 23 years in the military before retiring and becoming a police officer.

He’s served the Charlotte community for the past 10 years.

When he’s not working Sterrett volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America, teaches children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and coaches self-defense classes for women.

“We really want to thank these people for everything they do for our community, especially on the holidays when they're away from their own families,” said Connie Gannaway, with La Brea Bakery.

When asked Sterrett said he doesn’t consider himself a hero, rather a man doing what he’s been called to do.

“I’m thankful for my family,” said Officer Strerrett. “That’s the biggest thing. I couldn’t do this without my family.”

Cox Media Group