‘He was a servant’: Slain Concord police officer honored for bravery, selflessness

CONCORD, N.C. — Family, friends and fellow law enforcement officers said their final goodbyes Tuesday to a Concord police officer who died in the line of duty last week.

Officer Jason Shuping was buried with full honors at Shiloh Reformed Church in Faith following a 1 p.m. funeral service at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center.

Before the service, Concord police, as well as brothers and sisters in blue from across the country, escorted Shuping’s body from Powles Funeral Home in Rockwell to the arena. They were joined by several other emergency responders and 911 communicators from across the region.

[PHOTOS: Procession, funeral service for fallen Concord police officer]

0 of 15

The Concord Police Department had asked the public to line the streets while Shuping’s body was escorted to the funeral and his final resting place. From Chopper 9 Skyzoom, hundreds of people could be seen standing on sidewalks along the procession route -- many with hands over hearts.

>> You can read Officer Jason Shuping’s obituary here.

The 25-year-old police officer was shot and killed last Wednesday night outside a fast-food restaurant near Concord Mills. Officer Kaleb Robinson was also hurt in that shooting, but survived.

Thousands across the community paused their day Tuesday to line the procession route and thank Shuping for his sacrifice. From Chopper 9, we could see a sea of police forming a miles-long procession -- a tribute to a true hero. On the ground, people lined sidewalks with American flags in hand, paying respect to a man who made the ultimate sacrifice.

There were so many beautiful tributes to Shuping at today’s service, and there was a clear message at his funeral: We can find joy in times of grief.

Shuping was honored for his bravery and selflessness, remembered as a man that sacrificed his life to protect others.

“Jason, at his heart, was a servant,” said Concord Mayor William Dusch. “He chose to serve our city, our community.”

Dozens of friends and loved ones, as well as Shuping’s brothers and sisters in blue, came together inside the Cabarrus Arena to mourn with the officer’s wife and family. During the service, there were touching stories about how Shuping’s smile and quick wit warmed each room he walked in.

Many shared memories of what Shuping stood for: Honor and dignity and service to his community.

“Jason checked all the boxes that police chiefs are looking for and every good citizen is looking for in a cop,” Concord Police Chief Gary Gacek said. “Jason exemplified what our profession is about and embodied our core values of competence, courage, integrity, leadership, respect and restraint. Jason paid the ultimate sacrifice for confronting evil on behalf of complete strangers.”

Though only with the Concord Police Department for nearly two years, Shuping’s chief said the officer made an everlasting impression, giving each officer on the force a hero to always admire each day they bravely put on the badge and uniform.

“To my fellow officers, we will not forget what Jason did, who he was and what he stood for,” Gacek said. “The best way to honor him and his memory is by serving our communities the way he would have, with professionalism, compassion and a sense of humor.”

Hundreds line procession route to honor fallen Concord police officer

‘We need to support our police department’

It was evident how much Shuping’s death touched not only police, but also the people he served. Thousands who could not attend the funeral stood along the procession route to pay their respects.

Channel 9 reporter Tina Terry spoke with some of them and witnessed the moving show of support.

“I didn’t know him, but he did what he thought he could for his community, his family, and I’m just so sorry for his family,” one woman said.

Dozens of neighbors, some former police officers, and even little kids were outside to watch as the procession drove by. They all had one objective: to honor the 25-year-old officer who gave everything to serve and protect this community he loved so much.

They also wanted to thank the hundreds of other officers who took part in the procession.

“We need to support our police department,” said neighbor Tom Little. “They go to work not knowing whether their gonna come home or not. It’s a very tough job.”

It has been an unprecedented period of grief for local police. Four officers have been shot in the last week and a half.

Mount Holly Officer Tyler Herndon was killed on Dec. 11. Police said a break-in suspect shot him outside an arcade and car wash. That man is charged with murder.

Eight days later, in Herndon’s hometown of Kings Mountain, Police Corporal Frank Whittington Jr. was injured in a shootout with a suspect. He’s still in the hospital, but the police chief said he’s in good spirits.

The suspect in that case was also shot and is still in the hospital.

‘Many words could describe him, but ‘hero’ and ‘humble’ would be the most accurate’

A memorial has been growing outside the Concord Police Department headquarters, where Shuping is being remembered for his bravery and ultimate sacrifice.

According to his obituary, Shuping was a 2014 graduate of East Rowan High School where he was a member of the football and track teams, as well as the Honors Chorus.

He attended UNC-Pembroke where also was a member of the track team and majored in criminal justice and sociology. He graduated magna cum laude in 2018 before attending and graduating from B.L.E.T. at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in 2019. He was recognized as the top shooter in his class.

Shortly thereafter, Shuping began his career with the Concord Police Department.

“He had a desire to be the best officer that he could be,” his obituary read.

Shuping was also a former Boy Scout and a member of the Shiloh Reformed Church of Faith, where he was part of the Shiloh Ringers Handbell Choir. He also volunteered with Bible School and with youth and adult mission trips.

According to his obituary, Shuping was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also loved to hang out with his family and vacationing in Wilmington.

“Many words could describe him, but ‘hero’ and ‘humble’ would be the most accurate,” the obituary read.

Shuping leaves behind a wife, his mother and father, brother, sister and half-sister, and several nieces and nephews.

Tuesday’s service at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center will begin at 1 p.m. The facility is at 4751 NC Highway 49 North in Concord. The visitation will be private and for immediate family only.

Memorials may be made to Shiloh Reformed Church of Faith, P.O. Box 308, Faith, North Carolina 28041.

Online condolences can be left here.

‘A helper. A warrior’: Community honors fallen officer with candlelight vigil

Cox Media Group