ASHEBORO, N.C. — The past two weeks have been hard on the men and woman of the Asheboro Police Department.
One of their current officers, Officer Leah Burnette, was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and Charles 'Chuckie' Spencer, a lieutenant that served the Asheboro community for 20 years, recently passed away.
WFMY News 2's Nixon Norman spoke with two people who were close to Spencer.
Well-known and well-loved, that's how APD Captain Bryon Hill described the former lieutenant.
Captain Hill said this is a tremendous loss felt beyond just the department.
That's why it's no shock that the department's post on Facebook announcing spencer's death received more love than ever, with hundreds of interactions.
"It's probably the most interactions we've ever had on social media, is this situation. It kind of shows you like what an impact he had on people," Captain Hill said.
A close friend of Spencer said that one of the things that stood out the most was his smile.
"He would do anything for a friend. He loved the friendship and that smile he always gave us, it was just amazing," Jim Mendez said.
The two said the 43-year-old was a man of God and had a heart for people. He especially loved his mom and music.
"The person he loved the most, I believe was his momma. You know, he'd talk a lot about you know, he was proud of her, the struggles she went through: segregation, raising two boys, single, keeping them in school, keeping them in church and sports and she did a good job because she raised some tremendous boys," Captain Hill said.
"And he loved music, he loved music, his favorite group was journey. So, he used to call me and he would call me and say, "you want to go ride somewhere" and we'll ride and first thing he puts on the radio is Journey songs," Mendez said.
Captain Hill said even if you didn't know Spencer, his reputation of kindness will forever stand true.
"There's a lot of officers, new ones, they didn't Chuckie because they're obviously new officers, but they know his reputation and sometimes the reputation you leave behind, I believe tells you a lot about a person," Captain Hill said.
Spencer retired from the force back in 2023.
As far as Officer Burnette there will be a fundraiser for her on December 5th.
APD is planning a fundraiser to help with expenses related to her fight with cancer.
They are asking, if you are able, to please consider purchasing tickets to the hotdog lunch fundraiser scheduled for Thursday, December 5, 2024.
The to-go orders will be ready for pickup at Sunset Avenue Church of God from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Tickets can currently be purchased. APD will also be selling plates on site December 5.
Tickets can be purchased at the following locations:
Asheboro Fire Department: 401 S. Church Street
Randolph County Sheriff's Office: 727 McDowell Road
Asheboro Police Department: 205 E. Academy Street