‘There for the people’: Anson County sheriff remembered as man of integrity

ANSON COUNTY, N.C. — A community is mourning the loss of Anson County Sheriff Landric Reid, who died unexpectedly Wednesday.

Reid’s patrol unit was draped in black and covered with flowers from the community on Thursday.

The flags at the courthouse were also lowered to half-staff to honor the sheriff, who many people called “The people’s sheriff.”

“I was looking up scriptures,” said resident Judy Little. “What do you do when a great leader falls? What do you do?”

Little said she has been wrestling with those questions as she sat by Reid’s patrol car Thursday.

County Commissioner Vancine Sturdivant remembered when she met Reid, a young state trooper with a reputation that preceded him.

“Oh God, you did not want to get a ticket from Landric Reid,” Sturdivant said.

They first met when he pulled her over for speeding.

“He stood there in the rain and counseled me about the vehicle I was driving and told me to be careful, that it would turn over and he never gave me a ticket,” Sturdivant said. “He counseled me and let me go home.”

Sturdivant said that was the beginning of a friendship. Reid often volunteered to help with her various charities, she said.

They collected toys for Christmas and helped feed the hungry. She then asked him to run for sheriff.

“He was a man of integrity,” Sturdivant said. “He was a man who was there for the people.”

Sturdivant, who considers Reid a son, finds solace knowing the sheriff’s legacy lives on in his deputies.

“I know they will carry on his values,” Sturdivant said. “I pray they will.”

In 2014, Reid became the first Black sheriff of Anson County.

However, Chief Deputy Scott Howell said that is not how Reid wanted to be remembered.

Reid wanted to be known as the best sheriff that he could be, Howell said.

Reid’s character made him a great leader, the chief deputy said.

“I think his compassion and the charities he supported are endless,” Howell said.

Reid worked as a state trooper in Union County and served in the Army and National Guard before becoming sheriff in 2014.

There have not been arrangements made for a memorial yet.

The Anson County Sheriff’s Office shared the following statement with Channel 9:

“It is with saddened hearts that we send this message of the most Honorable Sheriff Landric Reid’s passing.

“Sheriff Reid is survived by his loving wife Cassandra Reid of the home and daughter Christina Reid, which he loved and was very proud of her accomplishments.

“Sheriff Reid was born and raised in Cabarrus County, where he was the youngest of five brothers and sisters. Sheriff Reid was educated in the Cabarrus County School System and was very involved in sports. In 1984 he joined the United States Army, which he credits for changing his life and opening new doors. After receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1988, he joined the North Carolina National Guard.

“From 1988-1991 he also worked in Research Triangle Park as a research assistant. In 1991 he entered and graduated from the North Carolina Highway Patrol Academy and served as a State Trooper until retiring in 2014. On December 01, 2014, Sheriff Reid was sworn in as Anson County Sheriff where he has served until his death, September 21, 2022.

“Sheriff Reid was a friend to all. He was a very compassionate to his employees and to the citizens of Anson County and beyond. He was involved with many faith-based charities and was the founder of Stride for Pride shoe drive and the Shaundasia Smith Foundation. Sheriff Reid helped thousands of kids attend the first day of school with a new pair of shoes on their feet and a smile on their face.

“He really was the people’s Sheriff. The tremendous support he drew from all races within Anson County speaks highly of his character and how he treated people. Sheriff Reid was once asked if he was proud to be the first black Sheriff elected of Anson. He replied, “I am proud to be the Sheriff of Anson County. I want to be known as the best Sheriff I can be.”

“Please keep the family of Sheriff Reid, the Anson County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Anson County in your prayers during this difficult time.

“Chief Deputy Scott Howell”

VIDEO: Anson County sheriff dies unexpectedly, officials say

Anson County sheriff dies unexpectedly, officials say

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