August 27, 2012

My heart is heavy for the family and friends of Watauga County Sheriff's Deputy William Mast, Jr., who gave his life in the line-of-duty on July 26th. In his twenty-three short years, Deputy Mast made an imprint on the communities he served and called home. He was a graduate of Watauga High School and a member of Bibleway Baptist Church who cherished the North Carolina way of life -- hunting, fishing, off-roading, and riding horses in our beautiful country. The thoughts and prayers of thousands remain with his beloved wife, Paige, their unborn child, William, his parents, Angela Wall and William Sr., his extended family, and the entire Watauga County Sheriff's Office. May each be comforted and find peace in the midst of this tragedy. And may we be faithful to remember that the safety we experience in our communities is maintained, in part, because people like Deputy Mast volunteer to place themselves in harm's way for our protection. For that caliber of service and sacrifice, we are grateful. I yield back.