“I can't say there was one best moment. There were so many,” Temple said. “It was all about being dedicated to a cause that is righteous, keeping people safe.”
Starting his law enforcement career at 21, he said, had a profound impact on his personal growth. “I'm a completely different person. (Former Roanoke Rapids) Chief (D.N.) Beale gave me my first opportunity. Captain Henry Wright was the epitome of a dedicated administrator.”
(Effective May 1, the sheriff's office command will be Hall as chief deputy; Neil Aycock as major; Roy Rooks as patrol captain; Anzell Harris as investigations captain and Jay Burch as jail administrator)
Former Weldon Chief Carl Clark helped shape Temple as a law enforcement officer as well as Stanley Mabry and Rex Stainback. “There was a whole lot of work to mold me. I will be forever grateful to Sheriff (Jeff) Frazier for hiring me and Sheriff Tripp always supported me in advancement.”
Hall described Temple as his go-to guy. “At 20, when I started, he's always been that guy. I like the way he carried himself as a professional. I've learned a lot from him. I'm sad to see him go.”
Hall said while he is excited about the prospects of his new position, “It's bittersweet as a dear friend of mine is retiring.”
Temple, likewise, said, “I would say Scott Hall is well qualified to do any position in law enforcement. I've been around him his entire career. I've seen his progress. He's well qualified and professional. I'm proud to have worked with him.”
Temple said he and Hall have been through harrowing experiences together. “He's been there when people where trying to hurt me and I've been there when people were trying to hurt him.”
In a statement, Tripp said, “It has been a real pleasure knowing Bruce all these years. We first met when he was a rookie police officer with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department and I was an investigator … If he puts as much effort into enjoying his retirement as he has all the year's he's been working, his retirement will be amazing … He has always been a great worker, but he has always been a better friend. Hard work, dedication and a positive attitude definitely describes my friend Bruce.”
Sergeant Mark Rigsby retirement
Meanwhile today, Tripp announced Rigsby's retirement after 28 years of service.
“Throughout the years,” Tripp said in the statement, “Our friendship has deepened. Mark has served the citizens of Halifax County for 28 years. Mark proudly served our country in the United States Air Force. He started his career with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.”
Tripp said, “As we have worked side-by-side, I considered Mark a deputy sheriff's deputy sheriff. Our friendship has grown over the years with many common interests. He led by example and always had a positive outlook on what the mission was at hand.”
Tripp said he will be assessing the open positions. “It has always been my goal to conserve county tax dollars, but more importantly, to enhance the service to the citizens of Halifax County.”
Hall, with Rooks, right, and Tripp, center.
While Hall will be promoted to chief deputy, his past position will be reclassified to a captain's position.
Lieutenant Roy Rooks will be promoted to patrol captain.
“I'm thankful to the sheriff,” said Rooks. “I'm looking forward to the position of patrol captain. I want to give knowledge to the patrol division. I'm just humbled to have this position.”
“Roy,” Tripp said, “is the epitome of a hard-working deputy. He represents the sheriff's office so well and reaches out to people in the communities.”
Frank Avent, a friend of the sheriff as well as the sheriff's office who is well known in the county as well as his native Hobgood, said he is pleased with the promotions as well as the efforts made within the sheriff's office to unite the county. “We have finally got a sheriff's office which reaches from Littleton to Hobgood. We feel comfortable with the deputies and the deputies feel comfortable with us. We feel like these relationships will continue with Scott and the new captain.”
