NEWTON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Blue lights blanketed the highway as law enforcement officers from all over North Carolina drove from Charlotte to Newton to pay tribute to their fallen brother.

“My daddy is a hero,” wrote the young son of his father Officer William “Alden” Elliott. “He died getting the bad guys.”

People lined the procession route along Highway 16 in Gaston, Lincoln, and Catawba Counties.

“I know the family and they’re good, and they do a lot in this community, so we just need to support them and pray for them,” said Melinda Hodge, who came to the procession route.

Officer Elliott’s family is not just by blood; it’s an entire brother and sisterhood all across North Carolina.

“I think it’s a great time that the community comes together and see what great things that the officers do for our county and our country,” said Melvin Morrison, who played ‘Taps’ along the procession route to remember the fallen officers.

Officer Elliott, a 14-year veteran officer with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, was also part of the US Marshals Task Force.

He was one of four officers attacked and killed Monday while he was trying to serve a warrant on a felon.

“I wanted to play ‘Taps’ at least one time for each one of the great men that we lost, the four men that we lost,” said Morrison.

Police cars as far as you could see lined the procession route from Charlotte to Newton.

Giant American flags flew over Highway 16 to guide Officer Elliott home.

“God bless them because I know they’re in Heaven now in a greater place,” said Morrison.

Officer Elliott’s son ended his tribute by saying his father “was the best man I will ever know…And I hope to be just like him.”

Elliott’s son writes heartbreaking obituary

William “Alden” Elliott Obituary | June 2, 1977 – April 29, 2024

My daddy is a hero.

He died getting the bad guys, that’s what he was good at.

He is a Marine.

He is a Police Officer.

He is kind and patient.

He keeps my mom and I safe.

He is my daddy; the best daddy.

We love playing video games together. He really likes Mario, Zelda, and Metroid Return of Samus.

We collect Pokemon cards. I have a Charizard that he helped me get graded.

He and I have watched every Star Wars movie and series.

My daddy loves playing and watching baseball. His favorite team is the Dodgers.

He is an expert marksman, perfect score every time.

For my 12th birthday he bought me a dirt bike. He bought himself one too, so that we could ride together.

I will learn how to ride it and we will ride together one day, Daddy.

He was the best man I will ever know.

And I hope to be just like him.

THEO

A memorial service with military honors to celebrate Elliott’s life will be held on Thursday, May 9, at 6 p.m. at the Tarlton Complex on the campus of Catawba Valley Community College.