GREENSBORO, N.C. — The family of a beloved Greensboro police sergeant opened up for the first time since saying goodbye to the fallen officer. While hundreds gathered for the final farewell last week, Sgt. Dale Nix's legacy is still being written.
"We have been exhausted with love, the entire Nix family, and it's been something to behold," Skip Nix, the uncle of the longtime Greensboro officer shared.
Sgt. Nix died nearly three weeks ago but the emotions are still raw for the family, but they're finding some solace.
"I've had my moments, but then I start thinking about his memory, what he did, what difference he made in the city, and how many lives have changed because of the work he did. Then all of a sudden, the hurt goes away to happiness."
Sgt. Nix was honored as a dedicated officer, inspiring mentor, and a loving husband and father.
"He brought the Nix name to a higher level. It was incredible for what he was able to accomplish," Skip Nix said.
Law enforcement officers from as far away as California paid their respects to Sgt. Nix at the funeral on Jan. 11. Hundreds gathered at Westover Church in Greensboro to honor the officer who was shot and killed trying to stop a crime at Sheetz in Colfax on Dec. 30. The District Attorney's office said thieves tried to steal ten cases of beer. One of them allegedly opened fire, killing Sgt. Nix.
"He died a hero. He sacrificed his life and we don't want the citizens to forget that. With the outpouring we've seen, I don't think that's going to happen," Skip Nix went on to say.
Sgt. Nix first started his public service career as a 911 telecommunicator before he joined the Greensboro Police Department where he served for 23 years. For the last six years, he was the Detective Sergeant of the Family Victims Unit, which investigates child abuse, domestic and sexual violence, and elder abuse. He was responsible for protecting the vulnerable, but many of his generous acts were not known to the family.
WFMY News 2 anchor Julie Luck asked, "You didn't know he befriended these people? You didn't understand the depths of his work?"
"No, I had no idea," Skip Nix responded.
The Triad learned of his profound character, selflessness, and dedication after Sgt. Nix died. WFMY News 2 interviewed Marcia Jones, a domestic violence survivor, who credits Sgt. Nix for saving her life.
"I've never met anybody like Sgt. Nix who is so dedicated to making everything better. He just wanted everything to be better," said Jones.
WFMY News 2 also met a panhandler whose kind gesture went viral. Steven Womack donated all he had to the family after learning of Sgt. Nix's passing.
"He was a nice guy. He's seen me at the corner, waving and smiling. We laughed and talked," Womack said.
The fallen officer was a humble, giving man who went above and beyond, touching countless lives in the process.
"That was Dale. He was priceless. He wasn't looking for anything in return. He just wanted to help somebody, " said Skip Nix.
The Nix family encourages everyone to be part of the solution to #nixthat and help reduce crime in Greensboro. The city recorded a record-breaking number of murders in 2023.
"If we can take this tragedy and turn it into something positive, then Dale didn't die in vain — he died a hero. It's going to take us all to make this happen," Skip Nix said.
The Nix family is the epitome of service. Several are current or former Greensboro firefighters including former assistant chief Skip Nix. The family is armed with a pledge and gratitude in their hearts.
"Above all, thanks to the citizens. We have served them for 158 years and they in turn served us. They served us during this time. We will forever be grateful for what they shared with us," Skip Nix remarked.
The family appointed Skip Nix to speak on their behalf. He says Sgt. Nix's wife, Kelly, and son, Will, are leaning on their close-knit family and their strong faith during this difficult time. Kelly Nix shared her gratitude on social media.
