ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW) -- The Robeson County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of one of their deputies, who died unexpectedly on Monday.

Derrick Locklear joined the department in February 2024, the sheriff's office said. Prior to that, he served as a police officer for 25 years and retired as a lieutenant with the UNC Pembroke Police Department.

The sheriff's office said Locklear's lifelong commitment to law enforcement and to the people of Robeson County will "always be remembered and deeply appreciated."

"Today, we mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant of our community," Sheriff Burnis Wilkins said in a news release. "His decades of service and commitment will never be forgotten. Deputy Locklear will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones du

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