THOMASVILLE, N.C. — Flags throughout the city of Thomasville are at half-staff for the week in honor of Ronald Bratton.
Community leaders recognize Bratton was for 50 years a pillar in Thomasville for many reasons.
Bratton is a Thomasville High School graduate who gave back to the community he was raised in.
In 1974 he joined the Thomasville Police Department.
Bratton worked his way up the ranks becoming the first black police sergeant in the city, and in 2006 became police chief.
City councilwoman Lisa Shell shared a story of Bratton's courage during a robbery while on the police force.
"They took a lady hostage and Ron negotiated with this guy for 90 minutes and when the guy took the gun from the woman's head. In a split second, Ron reached into the car and was able to get the gun out and get the hostage free," Shell said.
Bratton retired but became a Thomasville City Council member in 2009.
Shell said he encouraged her to run despite her fears.
She said during his time on council he played a big part in the city getting a new police department and a new city pool.
"Ron, he was a very upbeat citizen of Thomasville," Shell said. "Ron could've gone anywhere. He chose here his home. He is going to be truly missed we've got big shoes to fill."
Shell said Bratton lost some limbs because of diabetes but it's not clear if his battle with the disease is connected to his passing.
The city will properly honor Bratton's life during his funeral on Friday.
The city said they're expecting a huge turnout as they lay the trailblazer to rest.
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