Holly MatkinFlorence, SC – Whiteville Police Department (WPD) Sergeant Cameron Jule Lemmons died on April 19, just days after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
The 28-year-old sergeant was hospitalized at McLeod Hospital in Florence at the time of his unexpected death, WWAY reported.
WPD Chief Doug Ipock said Sgt. Lemmons worked his final shift just five days before he passed away, according to The News Reporter.
Chief Ipock visited the young sergeant at the hospital shortly before his death on Tuesday.
“You just don’t expect it. Twenty-eight years old, he leaves behind his wife and kids,” the chief told WECT. “It’s just devastating, absolutely devastating. He was a rising star in law enforcement.”
Chief Ipock said Sgt. Lemmons was a “shining example of what a police officer should be,” according to The News reporter.
“He had a bright future in law enforcement and [in our] agency,” he said.
Whiteville Mayor Terry Mann said Sgt. Lemmons was a dedicated member of the city’s police force.
“It’s unfortunate that someone so young would go so soon,” Mann said. “I know he will be missed. There is a hole in the department right now.”
Sgt. Lemmons served in the U.S. Army prior to joining the WPD five years ago, WWAY reported.
“Sgt. Cameron Lemmons was much more than a dedicated police officer,” the WPD said in a Facebook post. “He was our brother and our friend. Our hearts are truly shattered.”
He leaves behind his wife and their twin sons, Cayden and Christian, WWAY reported.
The LPD has been collecting diaper donations at the police department to help Sgt. Lemmons’ family in the wake of their loss.
“Please continue to pray for his wife and two children,” the WPD said. “Rest In Peace, Cameron. We will take it from here.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Whiteville Police Department Sergeant Cameron Jule Lemmons, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
