Jean Gordon
Wednesday, May 11, 2022 12:53 pm

The law enforcement community gathered Sunday, April 24 to remember State Trooper John Horton of Rutherford County. Horton died in the line of duty in January in Mooresboro.

Lindsay LiCausi with Back The Blue NC presented Ashley Horton, widow of Trooper John Horton with a check of $92,000 at the North Carolina Highway Patrol headquarters in Spindale.

"The money was raised through website sales and donations made by the community," said First Sergeant J. Everette Reid, NCSHP Troop G District 2.

In addition to the check, the organization presented two wooden plaques, one to the Horton family and one to the District.

Among those attending were Ashley Horton and the couple's children, extended family members, and members of Troop G District 2.

According to the NCHP, Horton died after his brother, fellow officer Trooper Nick Horton, lost control of his car during a traffic stop in Rutherford County and hit him. A detained driver also died at the scene. John Horton was a 15-year veteran of the NC Highway Patrol.

Back the Blue North Carolina said through website sales and donations, a total of $91,174.86 was raised. The organization then rounded it up to an even $92,000.

"It is a mere show of giving compared to what Trooper Horton sacrificed for his community and it will never heal the pain left behind, but we hope it will help provide the family with some financial help during this stressful time," said a spokesperson for the Back The Blue NC in a Facebook post.

"As long as we have our brave men and women of law enforcement, we will always stand ready to give back to those willing to give their all."

At the ceremony last Sunday Ashley Horton said her children talk about their Dad every day and is very present in their lives as a bright spot.

Nick Norton said he finds comfort in Christ Jesus and knowing he will see his brother again one day.