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By Charlotte Smith

On Sunday, July 30, 2023, champions across North Carolina came together to support one of their own, Gary Turlington, a beloved member of law enforcement and firefighting communities, in his courageous battle against multiple myeloma, a rare form of cancer affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow. The special fundraising event occurred at Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom, where friends, family, colleagues, and community members gathered to raise funds for Gary and his wife, Angie, to assist with medical expenses and show their unwavering support.

The fundraising efforts were successful due in part to the planning and dedication of Gary’s “family” at the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina Highway Patrol (NCHP), and the Stoney Point Volunteer Fire Department. Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker held a special presentation on Mon

day, July 31, at the law enforcement office in Elizabethtown to celebrate the fundraiser’s success. McVicker acknowledged the dedication and hard work of those involved in organizing the fundraiser, including NCHP Colonel Freddy Johnson, Jr.,

Stoney Point Fire Chief Freddy L. Johnson Sr., and Amanda Sykes, the Analyst and Public Information Officer at the Sheriff’s Office. McVicker praised Gary for his selfless service, highlighting his years of work with the Highway Patrol, the fire department, and the Sheriff’s Office.

Gary is in the photo above with his “family” at the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office.

Chief Johnson Sr. presented Gary with a heartwarming surprise – a check for $22,976. The money came from the fundraiser held on the previous day at Dirtbag Ales.

Colonel Johnson, who had a personal connection with Gary since they grew up together, expressed his pride in the overwhelming response from people across the state who came together to support their beloved hometown hero.

Gary is in the photo above with Bladen County Sheriff’ Jim McVicker, Colonel Johnson, Jr. and Chief Johnson, Sr., and Mrs. Johnson.

Colonel Johnson, Jr. said, “Gary was my training officer back in 1995, and I have known Gary my whole entire life. He is family.”

Before presenting the giant check, Chief Johnson Sr. commended Gary’s commitment as the Treasurer on the Stoney Point Fire Department’s Board of Directors. He recognized Gary’s presence extends to all the organizations he served, making him a cherished part of their families.

“I do want to emphasize this was a team effort because Gary touches all our our organizations.” Johnson Sr. explained, “He is part of all our families, and we wanted to do something for Gary and Angie to help them out. What is important here is that Gary has given back, has been in public safety his entire life, and has given back so much to his community, so we wanted to say thank you for that.”

In the photo above, Gary is photoed with his North Carolina Highway Patrol “family”.

During the check presentation, Gary humbly thanked everyone for their support and provided an update on his battle against multiple myeloma. Despite the challenging journey, he expressed gratitude for being in recovery two months ahead of the national average for his cancer type. His courage and determination in facing the disease head-on is genuinely inspiring.

Gary’s journey has been marked by difficult moments, including fractured bones and weeks spent in the hospital. However, throughout this challenging time, Gary has been amazed by the kindness and compassion of his “family” from the Sheriff’s Office, NCHP, and the Stoney Point Fire Department. They have stood by his side, offering emotional support, helping with his property, and even sitting with him during his hospital stays.

As the celebration concluded, Sheriff McVicker reminded everyone that the fundraising efforts for Gary continue. The Go Fund Me page remains open for donations, and checks can be written to the “Gary Turlington Fundraiser” and mailed to the County of Bladen, Post Office Box 396, Elizabethtown, North Carolina, 28337.

Before leaving the celebration, Gary returned to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office and again reported for duty, displaying his dedication and commitment to serving and protecting his community. The warm welcome he received from his colleagues was a reflection of the love and respect they have for Gary, a true Hometown Hero.

In the photo above Gary is photoed with NCHP Lt. Matt Howell, Angie Turlington, Colonel Johnson, Jr., and his partner at the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, Barry Pait.

In the face of adversity, Gary Turlingtong’s story exemplifies the strength of the human spirit and the bonds that tie a community together. As he continues his journey toward recovery, the collective support from his “family” provides hope, strength, and inspiration to face whatever challenges lie ahead. Together, they are proving that anything is possible with love, unity, and determination.

In the photo above Gary is seated with Bladen County Commissioner Charles Peterson on his left, Commissioner Ray Britt to his right, and Tyshell W. Jones, Human Resources Director, behind him.

Watch a clip from the celebration gathering on the BladenOnline YouTube Channel linked below: