CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. — On Thursday, family, friends, and the community came together to honor the life of fallen hero Investigator William “Alden” Elliott. He was one of the four officers killed in a shootout last week.
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On Thursday afternoon, a procession made its way along Highway 70 in Newton, which was lined with first responders and community members.
Resident Arthur Mason said it’s important to honor Elliot.
“We thank God for what they did,” Mason said. “They gave their lives in the line of duty to protect us, but you have some wicked cruel people in this world.”
The funeral service for Elliott was held at Catawba Valley Community College.
Investigator Elliott’s son, Theo wrote a heartfelt eulogy for his father. He wrote in part, “My daddy is a hero. He died getting the bad guys, that’s what he was good at.”
>> Read the full obituary here.
Elliott’s body was brought back to Hickory one week ago. Dozens of people lined the roads to show their support. Some even set up chairs and flags hours before the procession arrived in Catawba County.
Elliott and his family lived in Newton, where he graduated from Newton-Conover High School. He was a U.S. Marine and for the past 14 years, worked for the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. He was also on the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Task Force.
(WATCH BELOW: Procession to Catawba County honors fallen corrections officer)
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