WASHINGTON, DC- The families of Shannon Smith and David Cortner recently traveled to our nation’s capital for the National Peace Officers Memorial. Bobby Dickerson, chief probation/parole officer in Franklin County, escorted the Cortner family.

"I was proud to represent the Department, the Division of Community Corrections and the state of North Carolina," said Dickerson. "I witnessed many families who were hurting and grieving over the loss of a loved one, some of those officers were killed as recently as two months ago.

President Bill Clinton gave the keynote speech at the May 14 service. The event also included a candlelight service at Judiciary Square, a musical tribute by Tony Bennett, a roll call of heroes who gave their lives in the line of duty and the wreath laying at the National Law Enforcement Memorial site.