GREENSBORO, N.C. — A somber day was felt among the Triad as people came out in droves to say their goodbyes to fallen GPD Sergeant Dale Nix.
People in the community remembered him as an officer dedicated to his work, an inspiration to everyone he came in contact with, and a loving friend.
Family Victim's Unit shared Sgt. Nix's impact and the many roles he had throughout his time on the force.
Chief Thompson remembered Sgt. Nix as a true servant of the community.
"Sgt. Nix will forever be remembered as a hero. A guardian of peace, a beacon of hope, and a true embodiment of service," Chief Thompson said.
The death of the Greensboro Police Sergeant sparked a conversation at his funeral service about crime in Greensboro and how to fight it.
Speakers touched on Sgt. Dale Nix's mission, and their goal to continue it forward.
Over the last couple of years, some initiatives have been taken to reduce the violent crime numbers in Greensboro.
Greensboro police shared a crime analysis report, comparing this year to last.
So far, crime is down with 429 crimes against property, persons, and society, compared to 602 last year.
During Sgt. Nix's funeral service Thursday, crime was a commonly mentioned topic.
Friends and family said Sgt. Nix fought for change and fought to put violent offenders behind bars.
Now, his lasting legacy will be the encouragement he left behind "nixing" away violence.
Pastor Mike Carr explained, "Nix that. There are other phrases that go with it as well, but Nix makes me think like, stop that. I wonder if we can honor Dale starting today, and forever more that we would stand up against all violence, and begin to say the phrase — 'Nix that'.”
GPD said the new Violent Crime Reduction Team and Crime Gun Intelligence Center have made amazing strides in combating violence and gun crimes.
We spoke with Mayor Nancy Vaughn the day before the funeral about crime in Greensboro.
Sgt. Nix worked with domestic violence victims, putting their offenders behind bars.
Mayor Vaughn said he drove the fight against violence in the city, forward.
"Sgt. Nix worked at the Family Justice Center. He and that team have done amazing outreach to victims of child abuse, elder abuse, and domestic abuse, getting them in better places. I think that is a huge tribute to that whole team," she said.
Mayor Vaughn said the city will be continuing this fight against violence.
She explained that officers have been given a salary increase to encourage current officers to stay, and future officers to apply.
The department has also enhanced its behavioral health response by sending trained professionals out to calls where mental health is a concern.
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