You can watch the memorial service on the air or live-streamed here at QCnews.com

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Joshua Eyer was announced as April’s Officer of the Month just weeks before he was shot and killed on Monday, April 29, while attempting to serve a warrant on a wanted suspect in east Charlotte.

Hundreds of law enforcement officers across NC arrived in Charlotte Friday to honor Eyer.

During Friday’s heartbreaking memorial service, Eyer’s wife, Ashley, paid tribute to her husband.

The husband and father was part of a US Marshals Task Force team executing a warrant for the arrest of Terry Hughes Jr., 39, who was wanted out of Lincoln County.

Armed with an AR-15 rifle and a handgun, officers came under fire immediately and several were fatally wounded. Hughes later came out the front of the house, armed, and was fatally shot.

CMPD Chief Jennings remembers Officer Eyer as a hero who rushed into danger Monday trying to help his fellow law enforcement officers. Eyer passed away sometime Monday evening after fighting for his life in the hospital, authorities said.

April 2024 Officer of the Month

CMPD said on April 15 Eyer was awarded Officer of the Month for “his outstanding proactive policing efforts patrolling the areas of Sugar Creek, North Tryon Street, and the I-85 corridor.”

CMPD said Eyer worked to address quality of life concerns within these areas, helping the community and local business owners.

In the span of just three weeks before receiving this award, Eyer and fellow CMPD Officer Aubrey Guldager made 16 arrests with 14 of those linked to felony cases involving charges of:

• Possession of a firearm by a felon
• Attempted first-degree murder
• Armed robbery
• Common law robbery
• Various drug-related felonies and property crimes

“These arrests made an incredible impact on local crime and quality of life concerns,” CMPD said.

This is just a small glimpse at Officer Eyer’s dedication to his work and his commitment to protecting and serving the City of Charlotte. He was a phenomenal officer and the epitome of what our officers and all law enforcement strive to be each and every day. We ask that you continue to keep Officer Eyer’s family in your thoughts and prayers. We are so grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support for our CMPD officers and staff who continue to serve our community during this devastating time.

CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG POLICE

Served with the National Guard for 12 years

Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Eyer served with the North Carolina National Guard from November 28, 2011, to November 27, 2023.

He earned an honorable discharge from the NCNG after 12 years of service, which included two deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Spartan Shield.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our public safety partners during this tragic time, as well as the family and friends of those who lost a loved one,” the NC National Guard said this week.

CMPD will honor the life and service of Officer Joshua Eyer on Friday, May 3, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church located at 301 S. Davidson Street in uptown Charlotte.