Five years ago today, the Rocky Mount community lost a young officer. Alan C. Silver was responding to a robbery when his patrol car collided with an SUV. Three days later on May 2, 2007, Silver died from his injuries.

I was not here let alone in North Carolina when this tragedy happens, but my heart still aches for him, his family, the department and the community.  

During our coverage of his death, Rocky Mount Officer Scott Dew, Silver 's training officer, recalled fitting memories about Silver.

"He had a knack for talking to people," Dew said. "We wrote so many speeding tickets while he was training, and he'd always come back to the car and tell me that people were thanking him after he wrote the ticket.

"He's just one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet."

Sadly Silver is not the only officer who has died in the line of duty nor will he be the last. I hope everyone takes the opportunity today, though, to remember Silver's sacrifice as well as the sacrifices - ultimate and otherwise - that our heros make everyday.