Greenville, NC – Williamston Police Department Lieutenant Anthony “Tony” Bowen passed away on Nov. 27, after battling cancer for several months.

Lt. Bowen, 43, was also an instructor at the Pitt Community College’s Law Enforcement Training Division at the time of his death, according to the college.

“It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of one of our beloved instructors, Tony Bowen,” the school’s Facebook post read. “He had been battling cancer since early summer.”

“Just as you taught many others throughout your career, you stayed in the fight,” another Pitt Community College post read. “Rest now, brother. We’ll take it from here.”

Lt. Bowen joined the Greenville Police Department in the early 2000s, and served for several years before he joined the Williamston Police Department.

“Lt. Bowen’s battle with cancer has ended,” the Town of Williamston said in a Facebook post on Nov. 28. “Our community lost a guardian, but heaven gained an angel.”

Lt. Bowen was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, as well as the First Christian Church, according to his obituary.

He leaves behind his daughters, Alaina and Aliannah, as well as his parents, stepfather, and stepbrother.

“Tony was a wonderful father to our daughter, Alaina,” Amber Noble wrote on Lt. Bowen’s memorial page. “He loved her more than anything and she felt the same way about him. He will be greatly missed!”

“Tony was a wonderful friend and such a kindred spirit,” his friend, Mistie Evans wrote on the page. “He knew how to brighten your day just with his smile. He will surely be missed. Thoughts and prayers continue for his precious girls and family.”

Lt. Bowen was laid to rest on Saturday.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Williamston Police Department Lieutenant Anthony “Tony” Bowen, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.

Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.