September 12, 2016. A day that forever changed the landscape of Cleveland County.
2 days prior, Shelby Police Department K-9 Officer Timothy James Brackeen was attempting to arrest a man for armed robbery and kidnapping when other officers in the area heard several gun shots. They shortly found Officer Brackeen suffering from two gunshot wounds. Officer Brackeen succumbed to his injuries on September 12, 2016. He was survived by his wife and 6-year-old daughter. The suspect was captured four days later by a SWAT team in Coventry, Rhode Island. He was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the left torso fired by Officer Brackeen. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole in October of 2019.
Members of Raleigh Police Department attended Timothy’s funeral where they heard his brother, Stephen, preach. In early 2017, those Raleigh PD officers asked Stephen to join them on an epic journey. A 529-mile bicycle ride from Raleigh, NC to Washington DC. Arriving in DC for the start of National Police Week. A ride to honor all officers killed in the line of duty and to remember the families that were left behind. Stephen agreed to go and that is when Road to Hope-Shelby was born.
Stephen returned home and told his friends and family about the ride, the sights he saw, the emotional roller coaster ride that he had experienced, and the End of Watch readings of other law enforcement officers. He met other survivors and heard stories of their loved ones while he also shared Timothy’s story with them. Not just about his death, but also about his life, his faith, and the eternal life he received through the gift of Jesus Christ who died on the cross for anyone who will accept Him. It didn’t take long for other law enforcement officers in the community to volunteer to participate in this incredible trip.
Law enforcement officers from 3 counties have been a part of the team. Timothy and Stephen’s dad, Jim, and even the Mayor of Shelby, Stan Anthony, participate in the ride. Currently, 3 members of the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office are part of the ride which typically begins in early May. Currently, there are 12 members of Road to Hope-Shelby.
Each member who participates in the trip is required to raise $1,750 for Law Enforcement United. That money goes to Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), the Officer Down Memorial Page, and The Spirit of Blue. COPS host a camp exclusively for the children and spouses of officers killed in the line of duty.
In its infancy, Road to Hope-Shelby was satisfied with that, but they soon wanted more. They wanted to be able to assist officers and their families from the local community. Officers who needed any type of help, financially, emotionally, spiritually. They have assisted a Pennsylvania officer and his family when he had motorcycle accident while in Shelby and an ATF agent’s family who was facing a major surgery on their unborn child. Many other officers in Cleveland and surrounding counties have been helped as well.
The community, including businesses and individuals, have rallied around Road to Hope-Shelby. The outpouring of support has been tremendous. The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office is an avid supporter. For the 8 officers killed in the line of duty in Cleveland County, on the anniversaries of their passing, Road to Hope-Shelby hangs a wreath at the Fallen Heroes Memorial in Shelby and posts a live video on Facebook, which includes the End of Watch reading for that officer.
Road to Hope-Shelby is continuously seeking donations to further their mission to “HONOR THE FALLEN, REMEMBER THE SURVIVORS”. You can follow them on the Road to Hope-Shelby’s Facebook page. They post photos and videos during the ride in May and other information throughout the year. Feel free to message them with any questions or if you would be interested in donating.
